Steve Bruce says he does not need to have any crisis talks with Mike Ashley over this summer's transfer budget - and admits he already knows the score on finances after fresh takeover delays.
Bruce has a limited spending pot and has already told the North East Press pack that he intends to utilise both of his loan options, while Yoshinori Muto will also be sold or loaned out again this term to keep the wage bill down.
Ashley watched on as his arbitration case was delayed until "early 2022" with only the anti-competition claim to be played out this year.
When asked if he needed a chat with Ashley, Bruce, speaking after the 3-2 win over Doncaster Rovers, said: "I don't think I need to have any discussions, do I? It is what it is.
"So, I've had discussions with Lee Charnley, but I have discussions with Lee every day of the week.
"So I'll get on with my job the best I can.
"Hey, look, I know it's frustrating for everybody, but we'll keep bashing away at it (with transfers)."
However, Bruce feels that the fact that a clutch of Premier League sides will struggle to spend this summer can be a great leveller.
He reflected: "I think everybody knows how difficult it’s going to be. We haven’t got a lot of money.
"As managers, you always want players and money to go and improve the team, that’s our job.
"But I don’t think I’m alone, I’ve never known it so quiet. We have to be patient.
"It’s very difficult, but with not a lot of money swashing around, supporters know it’s going to be very difficult."
