The 'growing optimism' from buyers and seller in Newcastle United takeover saga & the latest on Steve Bruce and ASM – Liam Kennedy Q&A

Here’s a Q&A with our Newcastle United writer Liam Kennedy on all things takeover and more...

Where are things at with the PIF, PCP and Reubens takeover bid?

There is growing optimism on both the buyer and seller side that this deal can be done – and can be done in the not too distant future. Of course, that must be caveated with the notion that previous positivity has counted for nothing.

Things are moving. That’s the positive to take away from all of this. The arbitration hearing is looming large in the foreground and a route to doing a deal being potentially presented to the consortium lies on the horizon. Will we ever reach that far? I am hopeful – and this is no blind optimism – but by the same token it is understandable many remain sceptical.

What does the future have in store for Steve Bruce?

He is safe in his job – of that there is no doubt.

The club are wary of the threats relegation can bring, and understand the concerns recent results have brought, but there is a belief this side will remain in the Premier League – and not put the takeover in any doubt.

So, for now, Bruce will go on. It would be interesting to see how much that landscape would change, mind, if we get to no win in say 12 or 13.

How close is Allan Saint-Maximin to a first-team return?

Closer than he was last week. Steve Bruce has played down a return, but the player has been deemed healthy enough to return to training, which is something he did on Friday.

There have been serious concerns about the player’s health in all of this – and that has been lost somewhat in all of the speculation re fallouts, trips to France and his future.

The player and manager have not always seen eye-to-eye, but this is part of football. And what is clear is the player cannot wait to get back to action in black and white, Bruce can't wait to pick him, too.

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