JAMAL QUIZ ON TOON TAKEOVER

NEWCASTLE stars have made a personal plea to Mike Ashley asking for clarity over the club’s stalled takeover.

Skipper Jamaal Lascelles (below) is believed to have spoken to Ashley on behalf of the squad with the club in limbo as they wait for the Premier League to rule on a Saudi-funded buy out.

Boss Steve Bruce admits the situation is “unhealthy” and wants a verdict on the deal as soon as possible.

He said: “We can’t use that (the takeover) as an excuse but we need it put to bed one way or another.”

The Premier League has spent 13 weeks considering whether the stateowned Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia are suitable owners, with the case complicated further by a lengthy dispute over Saudi company beoutQ illegally broadcasting Premier League games.