'I feel for them' - Exclusive: Hutton gutted over 'Horrible' Newcastle takeover update

Alan Hutton admits his heart bleeds for Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce amid all the takeover speculation at St James' Park.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Scotland international insists it is a "horrible situation" for his old boss, the club and the Toon Army.

As quoted by BBC Sport, Bruce urged the Premier League to deliver some "clarity" over the Saudi Arabian-backed bid, insisting the uncertainty is "not healthy for anybody."

Hutton believes the situation will be playing on Bruce's mind every single day and has urged the governing body to make a decision sooner rather than later.

Hutton told Football Insider: "It's difficult, real difficult for Steve Bruce to deal with, Probably every day in the press there's a new story about a new manager or a player or whatever with the takeover.

"It really puts you off your game a little bit so I'm sure they want it cleared up as soon as possible, just so they can get on with things - whether there's a new manager or whatever, just so they can move forward.

"It's just a horrible situation to be in so I do feel for them, especially for Steve Bruce - you know how much I like him and get on with him, I do believe he deserves a chance if they do get the takeover. Hopefully, it happens soon for everyone involved - it will be there all day, every day, when he goes to his bed he'll be thinking about it." 

Current owner Mike Ashley has been in charge of the Magpies for over a decade, during which time the club have suffered two relegations from the Premier League.

The prospective bid is fronted by British businesswoman Amanda Staveley and PCP Capital Partners, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund the primary financial backers.

In other Newcastle United news, Keith Hackett demands referee retire after display in the FA Cup quarter-final.

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