Steve Bruce believes that patience remains the watchword when it comes to Newcastle United's takeover hopes - but has called for on-field focus ahead of the clash with Aston Villa.
On a day when NUST made a letter to the Premier League public and Saudi Arabia's government released documentation on further crackdowns on piracy, top-flight chiefs continue to remain silent on whether a decision has been made for the would-be buyers who consist of Amanda Staveley, the Reuben brothers and the Public Investment Fund.
The Reuben Brothers have also been credited with an interest in buying Major League Baseball outfit the New York Mets in the last 24 hours.
Back on Tyneside, Bruce has tried to keep his squad focused on the task in hand and when asked about the takeover he said ahead of this evening's game: "It seems to have rumbled on and rumbled on, but I can’t influence that.
"I can’t even go to the Premier League and say, ‘When is this takeover going to happen?’ If I could, I would have done months ago, so I can’t worry about that.
"What I can do is prepare the team the best I can.
"We have given ourselves a wonderful platform with eight games to go, so let the takeover happen if it’s going to happen.
"If it’s the best thing for the club, then okay.
"It has dragged on and on, but we just have to be patient for a little bit longer."
