The club wants to take the winger for the rest of the season with an option to buy.

However, Bruce claimed that a move for Lookman, described as a “maverick” by one of his former managers, was “a bit far off” ahead of this afternoon’s Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux.

“He’s a good player,” said United’s head coach. “I like him, but it’s a bit far off at the minute.”

The Gazette understands that Leipzig are yet to make a final decision on Lookman, who joined the Bundesliga club from Everton last summer.

Newcastle are primarily looking at the loan market in this month’s transfer window. The club is targeting overseas-based players and those in teams from the top half of the Premier League.

However, Bruce – who attempted to manage expectations on Tyneside ahead of the window – is prepared to go into the second half of the season without any new signings.

“If we can get to the level of a certain type of player, who can improve us, then we’ll act,” said Bruce. “If we can’t do that, then what’s the point?”

Newcastle were linked with a move for Olivier Giroud, but the Chelsea striker is set to join Inter Milan.

“We’re like everybody else,” said Bruce. “We said from day one that January was always going to be difficult. We have to have people who are going to come and improve us. If there’s something available, and there’s a deal to be done, we’ll try to do it. It’s as simple as that.

“There have been one or two inroads, maybe. But you think you’re getting somewhere – and then it shuts in your face.

“I’ve said all along that if we can improve the team. I’ll try to do it. That goes for midfield, up front or a defender. It’s fair to say we’d like to add to our firepower, of course we would, but it’s very difficult.

“We’ll try, and if there’s someone out there, and he can improve us, we’ll try to act.”

This is hold-up in Newcastle United's proposed move for Ademola Lookman