Steve Bruce has been left to rage at a behind the scenes claim from players at Newcastle United that he leaked a story about Karl Darlow being dropped against Wolves.

The goalkeeper had allegedly (via The Daily Mail) not been informed of the decision by the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss and thus had found out through the media.

This was a few days before the they played Nuno Espirito Santo's men at St. James' Park, in a game where Darlow was dropped for Martin Dubravka as the North East club could only manage to draw 1-1 after Ruben Neves had cancelled out an opening goal from Jamaal Lascelles.

Nonetheless, Bruce has since hit back at this claim in his recent pre-game press conference ahead of their next match in the Premier League away at Sam Allardyce's West Brom on Sunday lunchtime.

When asked about whether he leaked the Darlow story to the press, the 60-year-old manager said (via Sky Sports): “I find that story disgusting. It’s simply untrue and unfair on Karl. If I did that I’d resign tomorrow.”

Bruce under pressure at Newcastle

With all of the reporting behind the scenes of conflicts between Bruce and his players, the manager is clearly feeling the pressure of a potential relegation for the Tyneside club.

The Magpies are currently a mere three points outside of the drop zone on 26 points after 26 games (Sky Sports), with their safety in the top flight under serious threat.

In other news, find out what inside information on a potential new takeover has been shared by Lee Ryder here!