Sheffield Wednesday could face a hammer blow in their preparations for the new Championship season.
Owls manager Steve Bruce has been instilled as the number one favourite for the Newcastle United job following Rafa Benitez’s departure from Tyneside, and is said to fit United’s criteria.
According to the Mirror, owner Mike Ashley is reluctant to appoint a novice or outsider who is not familiar with the Premier League - and Bruce's experience and man-management skills are said to be ideally suited.
Bruce only took over at Hillsborough in January, with his start delayed until the following month and during that period to the end of the campaign, the ex-Manchester United captain guided Wednesday to a 12th place finish, including a comprehensive 3-0 win over Martin O’Neill’s Nottingham Forest in April.
Speaking about possible interest from the Toon, Bruce brushed off the possible interest in him taking over at St James’ Park, despite a surge which saw him rise in the betting charts.
"God only knows what happened on Tuesday afternoon," he said.
"There seemed to be an upsurge (in the betting) from somewhere.
"John Terry was favourite (for the job) yesterday.
"It was Mikel Arteta the day before so who knows. Maybe it's because I am from Newcastle. I've been on holiday. I never take any notice of all the speculation or tittle-tattle,” he said.
"I think there have been 150 managers associated with Newcastle. I would suppose I'm going to be one of them.
“As far as I am concerned, I am here, I am going home tomorrow and looking forward to walking the dog!"
Bruce last managed in the Premier League four years ago, and also took charge of Newcastle’s arch-rivals Sunderland, leading the Black Cats to 10th place in the top flight.
During his stint at the Stadium of Light, Bruce nurtured ex-Forest loanee Jack Colback through to giving him his debut.
