Steve Bruce reveals Newcastle United's stance on deadline day transfer deals

Fans expecting a busy transfer deadline day at Newcastle United will be disappointed, according to Steve Bruce.
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The club did its transfer business early this year – Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, Jeff Hendrick, Ryan Fraser and Mark Gillespie arrived at St James’s Park before the start of the new season – and there had been hopes of a couple of late loan deals.

However, the club, which is set to sign 21-year-old midfielder Rodrigo Vilca from Deportivo Municipal, could sit out the final hours of the window, which closes tomorrow.

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“I don’t think I’ll be jumping into the market unless something mouthwatering comes along which appeals to me,” said United’s head coach, who is looking to move a number of players out of the club.

“As I’ve said, I’ve been very pleased with what we’ve done before the season start, which was imperative for me. I’m relaxed about the whole thing.

“I can’t see me in the market unless, as I’ve said, something really, really special comes along on loan. But I don’t think, at this particular moment, we’ll be doing any more business.”

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Asked about a report linking Newcastle with a move for Everton forward Theo Walcott, Bruce said: “I don’t know where you got that from.”

Steve Bruce.Steve Bruce.
Steve Bruce.

Meanwhile, Bruce had demanded more “balanced” reporting from journalists ahead of the Burnley game.

Bruce had been unhappy with some of the criticism of his tactics and team selection following a series of unconvincing early-season performances.

The Burnley win saw the club go into the two-week international break with seven points from 12 games, and Bruce said: “When you manage Newcastle, as I’ve said many, many times, you get criticised.

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"I’ve always asked for that to be a bit balanced. The performance of the players spoke volumes.

"We’re in the middle of change. We’re trying to improve. We’re a long way from the finished article, believe me, but I hope the Newcastle supporters can see what we’re trying to do in terms of the way were trying to play. Of course there’s going to be a few hiccups, but when you get results like this, it helps.”

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