Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Wednesday, January 6.
Bruce 'delighted' with Newcastle squad
Steve Bruce says that he is 'delighted' with the nucleus of his squad, adding that he is extremely pleased to be associated with a club like Newcastle.
Bruce has come under fire for the team's defensive performances and sub-par results in recent weeks, but he insists that he is still working hard to improve the club bit by bit
When asked about the team spirit from the players he has, Bruce told Chronicle Live: "The nucleus of the squad have been here a long time so they understand what we need. I am delighted with it."
Bruce was then asked about his reflections on the year ahead. "I will repeat what I've said from the day I have walked through the door - I'll try to improve the club as best I can," he vowed.
"We have a unique and fascinating club which I am delighted to be associated with and it's just to try to improve, bit by bit.
"It takes time, of course, and I'll let other people judge whether we've improved or not. But that's my aim, to keep nudging us forward and to get up to that top 10 would be terrific."
Mike Ashley takeover clue spotted
Newcastle supporters believe they have spotted a clue regarding a potential takeover via a Nick De Marco tweet.
De Marco was the QC appointed to represent Mike Ashley in his tribunal against the Premier League over the failed Saudi-backed takeover earlier this tear.
Ahead of dry January, De Marco tweeted: "#dryjanuary last night I tried some Kombucha an alcohol alternative. Didn’t make my own after reading it ‘May Cause Bloating and Digestive Distress’ or kill you.
"Didn’t like it much. Like green tea & ginger beer. Trouble is ordered a load of cans. Maybe nice with vodka in Feb?"
To some, this would be an innocuous, unrelated tweet, but to Newcastle supporters, the use of "cans" was viewed as a hint towards potential good news.
"#cans" swept through the Newcastle fanbase during the initial news of the takeover, and some suggested that such excitement could return.
One fan replied: "#Cans in February, hearing you loud and clear Nick." Another added: "Howay man, @nickdemarco, ordered a load of #cans for February did you say?"
January sales to raise transfer funds
Bruce, like any Premier League manager, is keen to add to his Newcastle squad. But given the financial pressures in the current climate, sales must first be made as the club eases the wage bill, creates space in the squad for potential incomings, and raises funds to reinvest.
While it may not seem that Newcastle have obvious assets to offload and raise major money, there are possibilities i the lower reaches of the squad, as Sean McCormick investigated for Chronicle Live.
Using Transfermarkt's valuation tool, Newcastle could raise north of £30 million if they are able to secure several crucial sales.
It starts with the deadwood. These include Christian Atsu, Achraf Lazaar, Henri Saivet, and Rolando Aarons and comes in at just under £5 million in total transfer fees.
Newcastle also have several out-of-contract players that could offload this January. This includes Ciaran Clark, Andy Carroll, Fabian Schar, DeAndre Yedlin, and Dwight Gayle. In all, they could fetch £30.48 million.
