I doubt Bruce would be in on it - he is just that bad a manager. It is out there for sure but if we were to get relegated it certainly does open the door for a buyout without Premier League approval. Who knows with this club.
What makes it worse is relegation removes any hope (however small it was) of getting rid of Ashley - he has a price in his head of what he wants for the club and he won't get that in the championship.
What should really be worrying Ashley is the lack of fight from the players. Bruce clearly has lost the dressing room - they want him gone as much as the fans.
I think the fact Ashley hasn't sacked Bruce should tell you everything as to how likely this takeover is to happen. If there was even a small chance Bruce would have been gone.