Newcastle United news: Magpies 'keeping tabs' on former Sunderland man, Ex-Aston Villa star makes Steve Bruce claim

Semenyo, 21, has featured in all but one of Bristol City’s 37 Championship fixtures this season, scoring two goals and providing five assists.

A graduate of the Robins’ academy, Semenyo can play as a winger or as a centre forward as Premier League clubs continue to monitor him.

Previously scouted by Manchester United, the former Newport County loanee almost joined Chelsea in 2019 but a fee could not be agreed.

However, two years on from being denied a top-flight move, his dream could be realised with the Magpies among a number of clubs credited with interest.

TEAMTalk claims Crystal Palace are leading the race but Brighton, Southampton, West Ham, Sheffield United, Norwich and Watford have all made regular checks on Semenyo.

Lee Hendrie fears for Newcastle United and Steve Bruce

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes it could be time for Steve Bruce to walk away from Newcastle because “times have changed”.

Hendrie, a former Villa player and a fan, admits his boyhood club experienced a similar feeling under Bruce, just like Magpies fans are now.

United supporters were long unhappy with the style of football being served. Now, the club are fighting to retain its Premier League status.

While Hendrie believes Bruce is a “fabulous guy”, the Sky Sports pundit insists the 60-year-old should be getting more out of his squad.

"I do worry for Newcastle and I felt this earlier on in the season,” Hendrie told Betfred. “I like Steve Bruce, I really do. He is a fabulous guy.

"But you can see the way he likes to play. He has that defensive mind but with the players they have got in that team they should be doing better.

"I am not saying they should be competing for Europe or be in the top five but I certainly think they should be mid-table.

"You can see why there is so much unrest with the fans. Playing a defensive pivot and not scoring enough goals - you know you aren't going to get fans off their seats.

"They had it at Aston Villa. It was exactly the same situation. Times have changed in football and maybe it is time for Steve to move on."

Sean Longstaff tipped to fill Isaac Hayden void

Sean Longstaff should replace the injured Isaac Hayden, according to former Magpies defender Steve Howay.

Hayden is out for the season due to a knee injury – and our recent fans poll revealed Sean’s brother Matty, is preferred the choice.

However, Howey believes Sean should get the nod, who previously went 11 games without making an appearance before the defeat to Brighton.

Howey told Football Fancast: "I’d probably say Sean Longstaff because I think he’s got a good range of passing, but I think both the Longstaffs will feel as though their noses have been well and truly pushed out.

“So they’re obviously not going to be happy with the current situation but if one of them does get a chance it’s a case of right, ‘I’ll show you’ and it’s up to them to prove to Bruce that he was wrong to leave them out.”

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