Newcastle United rumours: Steve Bruce set for new contract, Allan Saint-Maximin 'unsettled'

Newcastle United are in pre-season action at Burton Albion tonight – but there has been plenty of off-field speculation.
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Here are the biggest Magpies-related rumours from today:

Steve Bruce set for new three-year contract?

According to the Daily Star, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is set to hand Steve Bruce a new three-year contract.

Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce and forward Allan Saint-Maximin. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce and forward Allan Saint-Maximin. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce and forward Allan Saint-Maximin. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The Sports Direct tycoon reportedly wants to award Bruce with a new deal after keeping the club in the Premier League last season.

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Ashley is willing to stick by Bruce for as long as he keeps United in the top-flight, despite the discontent from the Geordie fanbase.

The 60-year-old came under intense calls to be sacked last term after a run of two wins in just 21 matches before finishing the season on a high.

Although United surged to a 12th place finish, supporters still chanted against the former Manchester United defender during the 1-1 draw at Rotherham United on Tuesday.

Bruce, whose current deal at Newcastle expires in June 2022, has vowed to fight on as head coach.

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However, despite those reports from the Star, the Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards doesn’t believe Bruce will get a new contract.

He tweeted: “Might be wrong, but don't think Bruce is getting a new contract I think it just automatically adds a year at end of every season so he always has a three-year contract effectively.

"It neither prolongs or shortens how long he is manager. That is entirely up to Mike Ashley.”

Allan Saint-Maximin ‘unsettled’

Meanwhile, Edwards also believes Allan Saint-Maximin is unsettled at Newcastle.

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The French winger signed from Nice in a deal worth £16.6million in 2019, where he instantly established himself as a fans’ favourite on Tyneside.

Saint-Maximin has been linked with Everton this summer, with some fans fearful that could turn his head.

It is claimed the 24-year-old is unsettled, but Newcastle “have a strong hand”.

"I have no doubt he is unsettled,” tweeted Edwards. There are plenty of people around him who would like to get him a move but they are the same people who got him to sign a six-year contract last year and valuation is £70m+ #nufc have strong hand - no pressure to sell.”

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Saint-Maximin missed the pre-season trip to Rotherham on Tuesday through illness.

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