Changes are afoot at Newcastle United as Steve Bruce is expected to be named as successor to Rafa Benitez at St James' Park.
The Geordie manager looks set to leave Sheffield Wednesday in order to land his first Premier League job since his time with Hull City, where he suffered relegation in the 2015/16 season.
Since guiding Hull to the FA Cup final, two promotions and UEFA Europa League football, Bruce 's stock has declined significantly and news of his appointment on Tyneside has not been popular.
Serious questions are being asked about Bruce's ability to guide the Magpies to stability next season and the bookies appear to share those concerns, as the odds of Newcastle suffering relegation have shortened.
Newcastle can now be found at a price of 5/2 to be relegated next season, having been seen at 6-1 by bookmakers just a month ago.
In a more positive note, that is only enough for Newcastle to be seen as sixth-favourites for relegation as Aston Villa, Brighton, Burnley, Norwich City and Sheffield United are all seen as more likely to suffer a drop.
However, it is hardly welcome news for supporters and shows exactly how hard the challenges that lie ahead for Bruce on Tyneside will be.
Premier League relegation odds
Sheffield United - 4/6
Norwich City - Evens
Burnley - 2/1
Brighton - 2/1
Aston Villa - 7/4
Newcastle United - 5/2
Southampton - 4/1
Crystal Palace - 4/1
Bournemouth - 5/1
