Newcastle United transfer news: Toon plot swoop for Serie A player, Magpies join race for £22m defender

The Magpies beat West Ham in a nervy thriller to move eight points clear of the relegation zone, with a draw for Fulham against Arsenal allowing them to plump up their cushion over the bottom three even further.

But even with survival looking like an increasing likelihood, former Premier League midfielder Robbie Savage is of the opinion that Steve Bruce should walk away from the Toon Army.

Writing in a column for the Mirror, he said: “Steve Bruce is a good man, a good manager, and I believe he will keep Newcastle United in the Premier League.

“But one way or another, I fear his days at St James' Park are numbered and it might be best for all concerned if they part company this summer - because the atmosphere around the club has become too toxic.

“If he stays in place into next season, the fixture computer hands Newcastle a tough start and the fans, readmitted to that fantastic stadium like a fortress overlooking the city, vent their feelings, the environment could be intolerable.

“Let's get it straight: Even if his team's football this season has often been grinding and stodgy, Bruce has not deserved the tsunami of abuse he's copped on social media.

“He loves Newcastle United, he cares about the club and he is a human being.”

Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Newcastle and the rest of the Premier League, as the reaction to last weekend's action continues: