Newcastle United line up Steve Bruce replacement as player waits on late Magpies transfer offer
Magpies fans have grown fed up with the 60-year-old and want him out of St James’s Park, though neither owner Mike Ashley or the proclaimed boyhood Newcastle fan seem to budging just yet.
Bruce’s men are 10 games without a win – the latest being a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday evening – and haven't scored a goal in eight matches.
As reported by The Sun, Ashley is reluctant to sack the former Manchester United defender but knows he will be forced to do so if the team’s results and performances don’t improve quickly.
And the same publication claims Newcastle want to appoint Eddie Howe if Bruce goes. That said, the former Bournemouth manager is in-demand, with Celtic also keen for him to succeed Neil Lennon.
The prospect of Rafa Benitez returning to Tyneside has been swiftly rubbished by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague until new owners are in place.
He told BBC Sport: "Newcastle is not an option for Rafa Benitez under this owner," said Balague. "Change the owner and then maybe.
"Rafa has a huge respect for the fans, the club, the town. And I feel there is a bit of an unfinished business there."
Away from the Bruce spotlight, transfer speculation is also hitting the Newcastle headlines with updates on both Jetro Willems and Jesse Lingard.
Here’s a round-up of some of the other transfer rumours involving Newcastle, including the duo, and their Premier League rivals this morning:
1. Hughton plays down Murray reunion
Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton has played down reports linking him with a reunion with Glenn Murray. He said: “I would imagine it’s very much to do with my connection with him and certainly at the moment, this is just speculation.” (NottinghamshireLive) Photo: Mike Hewitt
2. Collins interesting Burnley & Arsenal
Burnley are rivalling Arsenal for £10million-rated Stoke City defender Nathan Collins. The Clarets view him as a replacement for James Tarkowski, but could make their move before the 28-year-old is sold. (The Sun) Photo: Pool
3. Kenny price tag put off Clarets
Everton have set Jonjoe Kenny’s price tag at £10million, a figure which is preventing Burnley from making a move for the right-back. It is believed the fee would eat up too much of the Clarets’ budget. (Daily Mirror via TBR) Photo: Alex Livesey
4. Worrall 'long-term' Clarets target
Burnley remain keen on Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall but may wait until the summer to make their move. The club’s new owners see Worrall as a long-term target, though are aware January is not an ideal time to invest as prices are inflated. (Daily Mirror) Photo: Laurence Griffiths