Newcastle United have been linked with a swoop for Aston Villa star John McGinn - the man Steve Bruce once described as one of his "best ever signings".
With Villa still threatened by relegation, the second city club could be forced to sell their stars if they drop back into the Championship.
As reported on ChronicleLive last week, Bruce is looking to bolster his midfield with Isaac Hayden's future now uncertain and Matty Longstaff's contract close to expiry.
Bruce persuaded Villa a fee of around £2.5million in 2018 and he is now valued at £30million after impressing for Villa in the last couple of seasons.
Speaking about McGinn this term Bruce said: "He has to be one of my best ever signings because he has the determination to do well.
"From what he has done in the last 12 months, he can only improve… he has done brilliantly.
"I always knew he would be good, but he has surpassed even my expectations.
"He can go on to become a really top player.
"I wish I could find a few more like him."
Bruce and managing director Lee Charnley are now in charge of transfers after head of recruitment Steve Nickson, who usually has a say in deals, was furloughed a fortnight ago.
