Newcastle are reportedly ready to make an approach for Steve Bruce to be their next manager.
The Magpies have been searching for a new boss following their departure of Rafael Benitez after the end of his contract.
Bruce emerged as the bookies favourite earlier this week and he is understood to have shot to the top of their wish-list.
Press Association report that the current Sheffield Wednesday boss is now their top target and a formal contract is imminent.
It is understood they would have to pay compensation of around £1million to release the Corbridge-born former Manchester United defender from his current contract.
Should Newcastle push home their interest, the former Sunderland manager will have a job on his hands to win over supporters still furious at Benitez’s departure, with some planning fresh protests over owner Mike Ashley’s controversial approach to running the club.
Simon Jordan on Steve Bruce links to Newcastle United job
A series of fans, group have joined forces to call for a boycott of the opening fixture of the new Premier League season against Arsenal at St James’ on Sunday, August 11.
Simon Jordan believes Steve Bruce would be a ‘good fit’ as Newcastle United manager and has backed his former Crystal Palace boss for the job at St James’ Park.
Newcastle fans even made their thoughts crystal clear during a Sir Rod Stewart concert in the city on Tuesday night, after the legendary singer and regular talkSPORT guest asked the crowd about the reports.
But Jordan has accused those fans of ‘snobbery’, insisting Bruce is a ‘very capable manager’ and that he would be a great choice as the next Magpies boss.
Bruce had played down the rumours when asked about them at Wednesday’s pre-season training camp in Portugal.
He told the Sheffield Star: “It’s news to me. God only knows what happened on Tuesday afternoon. There seemed to be an upsurge [in the betting] from somewhere. John Terry was favourite yesterday. It was Mikel Arteta the day before, so who knows?
“As far as I am concerned, I am here, I am going home tomorrow and looking forward to walking the dog.”
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Bruce was appointed by the Owls in February, four months after parting company with Aston Villa.