The 60-year-old was always going to face an uphill battle replacing the widely-revered Rafa Benitez on Tyneside, and his stodgy, passive style of play has done little to endear him to a fanbase who have put up with their fair share of disappointment over the past decade.
With that in mind, The Sun’s latest report on what is going on behind the scenes at St. James’ Park is certainly an interesting one.
According to the tabloid, Newcastle will not look to oust Bruce, but will instead try to kickstart their season by making a move for Bournemouth first team coach Graeme Jones.
It is understood that Bruce himself is keen to recruit the Gateshead-born 50-year-old, and Toon chiefs are fully willing to back the move.
Jones’ track record is certainly impressive.
The coach has worked with everyone from West Brom to the Belgian national team, and is well-respected in the professional game.
His only stint in the top job at a club came at Luton Town in 2019-20, however, and his win percentage came in at a fairly underwhelming 29.3%.
Elsewhere, the Toon Army have been credited with an interest in USA youth international Chris Gloster.
The left-back is on the books at Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven, and is a regular for the USMNT’s U23s.
According to ESPN, the Magpies are interested in bringing the 20-year-old to England, but any potential deal could come with a couple of caveats.
For one thing, it would depend on the youngster being able to secure a work permit in the UK.
Secondly, the report suggests that Gloster would start out with the reserve team setup in Tyneside before being given the opportunity to challenge for Jamal Lewis’ starting spot in Steve Bruce’s squad.
Either way, Gloster clearly has potential.
So far this season he has averaged more dribbles, more crosses, more interceptions, and more interceptions per 90 minutes than the former Norwich City man.
Click and scroll through the rest of today’s Premier League transfer rumours below:
1. Burnley set to offer Vydra in King deal
Burnley are set to offer striker Matej Vydra in a part-exchange deal for Bournemouth striker Josh King. (Football Insider) (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) Photo: Naomi Baker
2. Leeds given Derby boost
Leeds United have been given a boost in their pursuit of Derby County duo Jason Knight and Louie Sibley. The Rams have reportedly brought in agents to help facilitate the sales of a number of their players in an effort to balance their budget. (Football Insider) (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
3. Arsenal close in on Odegaard
Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard. A loan move has been touted in recent days. (Sky Sports) (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: OSCAR DEL POZO
4. Leeds cool Pulgar interest
Leeds United have cooled their interest in signing Fiorentina midfielder Erick Pulgar - at least in the current transfer window. (Tutto Mercato Web) (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images) Photo: Gabriele Maltinti