Newcastle United eye Wigan Athletic flop as Magpies suffer Premier League defender blow

Bruce’s future has been the key discussion point among the Magpie faithful after last night’s woeful 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sheffield United.

His position is safe for now, though. Newcastle are eight points above the relegation zone, and the Gazette’s Miles Starforth says Mike Ashley won’t act - unless the takeover situation is affected.

He told the Mouth of the Tyne podcast: “He's not going to resign, it's a decision for Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley, though there are other issues at play here given the takeover situation.”

If Bruce is to remain in position though, it looks increasingly likely that he will need to add boost his squad if Newcastle’s league standing is to improve.

Firepower is a must for the goal-shy side, who have scored just 18 times in 17 games this term. United were linked with a move for Wigan Athletic flop Andy Delort, now plying his trade at Montpellier, where he has scored eight times this season.

Maybe the 29-year-old has improved in the last seven years since his ill-fated spell at Wigan, where he failed to register in 11 games. However, a £14million price tag isn’t something the Magpies would entertain, with Bruce admitting loan deals are his best bet this month.

Here’s your daily round-up of some of the other stories making the Newcastle and Premier League headlines today: