There is money to spend and a list of targets already being drafted – but there is NO room in Newcastle United’s 25-man Premier League squad.
So it is likely Bruce will shift on players in order to add, as well as try to move the likes of Henri Saivet, Jamie Sterry and Jack Colback out of the club in the winter window.
Here’s a list of 13 players who could be shown the exit door – including some who the manager would be loathe to see depart.
. January could see a number of exits from Newcastle United's St James's Park (pictured above).
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: A general view of St James' Park stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on September 29, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) | Getty Images Photo: Mark Runnacles
. Matty Longstaff
He's played just one game this season - the Carabao Cup v Leicester City - although has been gaining valuable experience around the first-team pool. January could come at the right time to send the promising midfielder out on loan. | Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol
. Sean Longstaff
Valued at £50million by United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is rumoured to be still keen to sign him. Would be a huge loss to the club. Unlikely to happen, but it is one the Magpies must watch out for. | Getty Images Photo: Julian Finney
. Jamie Sterry
Outside the 25 and out of contract at the end of the season. His United days are over in a first-team sense. | Getty Images Photo: HECTOR RETAMAL
. Dwight Gayle
The striker is still some way off a first-team return. He's yet to even take part in a training session. But West Brom remain keen. | Getty Images Photo: Paul Harding
5. Karl Darlow
Another who is out of contract in the summer. Could be subject to bids but United are unlikely to get enough money to tempt them to cash in on a player who is acting as a more the capable understudy to No.1 Martin Dubravka. | Getty Images Photo: Mark Runnacles
6. Henri Saivet
Was a player the Magpies could just not shift in the summer. Getting rid of a player who has failed to produce the goods for years, wherever he has played, could also prove very problematic in January. | Getty Images Photo: Catherine Ivill
7. Ki Sung-yeung
Clearly not favoured at all by Steve Bruce given that he is the senior player to be dropped out of matchday squads at the first opportunity. Deal is up in June. Might be allowed to go, if he can be replaced. | Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. Jack Colback
After almost five years at his boyhood heroes, Colback's time at United is done. It will end in January if the Magpies can get someone to pay enough of his wages - and for good in the summer. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey