Mike Ashley has paid out an end of season bonus to his Newcastle United squad - despite uncertainty over his future at St James' Park.
Ashley spoke to players via a Zoom call in the dressing room yesterday with the Toon owner still in the United States and awaiting clarity from the Premier League on the result of the owners and directors test which is assessing the bid from Amanda Staveley, the Reuben brothers and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
It is believed that the bonus was paid out based on which position Newcastle finished in with the Magpies holding on to 13th place despite a defeat against Liverpool on the final day.
Each place would have amounted to a higher bonus and the prize money was paid out depending on how many appearances each player made during the Premier League campaign.
No bonus would have been paid out had Newcastle been relegated this term.
The scheme was agreed quickly after Steve Bruce was appointed last July with no dispute within the squad like the summer of 2019.
Back then, Toon players refused to participate in any media interviews and even refused to speak to the official website until the situation was resolved.
Ashley is expected to hold a meeting with Bruce on Wednesday with the club planning for next season as it stands.
The Premier League have refused to comment on suggestions they can't approve the Premier League tests for the Middle East consortium.
Ashley was not present at United's last game of the season and has been staying in the United States since March.
