Steve Bruce has stated Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday are trying to come to a “compromise” on a payout.
Bruce - who was approached by an angry fan during a friendly at Lincoln - is wanted by the Magpies to take charge of the club for the new season.
The ex-Manchester United captain is on a two-year rolling contract, but Sheff Wed chiefs are playing hardball on his release.
Bruce said after the game against the Imps: “Speculation is speculation.
“It's in the hands of the clubs.
“For me, at this particular moment, there is nothing really to talk about until the two clubs reach some sort of compromise.
"It's in the hands of both clubs and we will see what develops over the next 24 to 48 hours.
"It's football and it has come from nowhere really in the last two to three days so we will see what the weekend brings."
