Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson feels Steve Bruce is 'protecting the owner' and Newcastle's recruitment team with his recent transfer claims.
Bruce has been asked on numerous occasions about Newcastle's decision not to bring in another forward in the January transfer window, given the Magpies' struggle for goals.
Club record signing Joelinton has scored just once in the Premier League since joining from Hoffenheim in the summer while Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll have failed to find the net amid their struggle with injuries.
Gayle returned against Burnley yesterday but Newcastle drew another blank in front of goal. They have now failed to find the net in any of their last four Premier League matches.
Despite that Bruce insists there wasn't a forward available to improve his forward line in the January transfer window after an approach to sign Chelsea's Olivier Giroud on loan was rejected.
But former Liverpool assistant manager, Thompson, feels those comments were made merely to protect the decision makers at Newcastle and privately Bruce will have a different belief.
"I think you just try [to sign a new forward]," Thompson said on Gillette Soccer Saturday.
"It gets to a point and he will always say that after the event because he is trying to protect the owners, trying to protect his recruitment team, but sometimes just getting a few bodies in helps.
"It doesn't have to be your first, second or third target.
"I always think you bring someone in and it gives everyone a lift. There's a new player for everybody to bounce off and it helps that situation.
"I think Steve will be saying that in his own office with his people."
