Boyle Sports have now suspended the betting on Steve Bruce becoming the next Newcastle United manager.
The Magpies have refused to comment on the suggestions that the former Sunderland boss is a potential candidate to replace Rafa Benitez.
Bruce, though, is just one of the contenders for the job with Newcastle still considering a clutch of names, although the list is dwindling after some managers distanced themselves from the role.
But the ex-Manchester United skipper would welcome an approach - despite taking charge of the Owls for just 18 games since joining the Championship club in January.
Bruce is currently on a one-year rolling contract and on wages of £2million compared to Benitez's salary of £6million per year.
However, talk of Bruce taking over as manager has not gone down well with Toon fans since he reemerged as a contender today.
Nevertheless, it hasn't stopped punters trying to cash in on the appointment.
Sarah Kinsella of Boyle Sports said: “ It was a shock to see a flurry of bets come in on Tuesday afternoon on Steve Bruce to take over as the next Newcastle United manager considering the Newcastle born 58-year old previously managed Sunderland who are the magpies bitter rivals.
"We had to suspend betting on the former Manchester United captain having seen him priced at 50/1 in the morning and backed at all levels down to 1/5."
But Paddy Power are still offering 5/4 and Coral 6/4 for the Geordie to be the next manager on Tyneside.
Bruce is currently in Portugal on Sheff Wed's pre-season tour with the Owls taking on Shrewsbury Town in the Algarve this evening.
