Steve Bruce on Newcastle United transfers as Jetro Willems pushes for move

The Gazette reported last month that the club was considering a move for Willems, whose loan at St James’s Park last season was cut short by an injury.

Now fully fit, the defender – who is out of contract next summer – could leave Eintracht Frankfurt in next month’s transfer window for a cut-price fee.

Bruce – who signed three players on loan last January – is keen to strengthen his squad in the New Year.

Asked about the club’s plans for the window, United’s head coach said: "We don't stop on that. We generally hope so. That's always the aim with every window. Can you improve the squad? Can you get someone? It's always notoriously difficult in January, but we've been monitoring it as best we can and seeing what we can do.

"We're always trying to improve the squad. It's something that we'll look at again, of course."

Meanwhile, Willems has spoken to RTL Nieuws about his desire to return to England – and his affection for Newcastle.

“It’s a wonderful club, in terms of history, stadium,” said the 29-year-old. “The Geordies, that accent is nice. I hope to be able to go to England – that suits me. The atmosphere in England is wonderful.”

Willems ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament playing for United against Chelsea in January after an impressive few months in Bruce’s side.

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