Newcastle United back away from £20m move

Bowen, signed by Bruce as an unknown in 2014 during his time on Humberside, has scored 12 goals so far this season.

Bruce, United’s head coach, believes that free-scoring Bowen is the pick of the talent in the Championship.

Newcastle, 14th in the Premier League after Monday night’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, need more goals, as Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin Miguel Almiron have scored once between them so far this season.

However, Bruce – who has repeatedly spoken about the difficulties of recruiting in the January transfer window – has identified midfield as a priority area for strengthening. There is some money available to spend, but Newcastle are understood to be initially looking at the loan market.

Steve Nickson, the club’s head of recruitment, was in South America on club business earlier this month.

Bowen, meanwhile, would cost at least £20million. The 22-year-old made his Hull debut in 2016 after Bruce left the KC Stadium. Bruce didn’t leave on good terms with Assem Allam, the club’s owner, and this could complicate any future United move for Bowen.

Asked about Bowen’s future this month, Hull manager Grant McCann said: "What will be will be. We’re just delighted to have him so far. We just want him to continue playing and enjoying his football here like he is."

Bowen is out of contract next summer, but the club has an option to extend his deal by another 12 months.