Harper: Toon are "dying a slow, painful death"

Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has admitted the club is "dying a slow, painful death'' as owner Mike Ashley awaits a breakthrough in his bid to sell the club.

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Harper has had enough of Mike Ashley's reign.

Prospective buyers are yet to seal a deal to take the club off the sportswear magnate's hands despite weeks of talks.

With Alan Shearer still waiting to see if he will be appointed manager, the players have started their preparations for the new season still not knowing who will be in charge on or off the pitch when the new campaign gets under way, and if they themselves will still be at St James' Park.

Harper told The Journal: "It's an awful situation which we cannot do anything about as players. The sooner it is resolved, the better for everyone because we can start again.

"All we keep hearing is 'Next few days, next few days, next few days'. Everybody - fans, players, staff - wants it resolved so we can rebuild this football club because we are in an awful state at the moment.

"We want it to be done and dusted so we know where we are and where we are going because at this moment, the football club is dying a slow, painful death. We have to soldier on, but the sooner the better for everyone concerned - and most importantly for Newcastle United.''

Internationals Sebastien Bassong, Jonas Gutierrez, Geremi and Xisco were due back in training on Monday with Damien Duff having linked up with the squad last week.

Bassong in particular has been linked with a move away from St James' this summer despite Shearer's hopes of retaining his services, and Harper is desperate for positive news.

He said: "A lot of fans have come up to me and said, 'In two or three years, it might be a blessing that it [relegation] happened'. Obviously, everyone is very disappointed that it happened, but if something good comes out of it and the club rebuilds, then maybe I can see that point.

"At the moment, the club is not rebuilding - it is in a state of limbo and it is no good for anyone. We just want to get this club going back in the right direction and the situation is very, very frustrating for all of us.''