Newcastle United's move for Steve Bruce now boils down to just compensation after Sheffield Wednesday put up some resistance following an approach of his services this week from Lee Charnley.
Sheff Wed aren't happy about the prospect of losing Bruce so close to the start of the new season.
It is yet to be fully established exactly how much the club will have to cough up to get the Bruce deal pushed through, but his rolling contract is believed to be worth no more than £2million a year to him personally.
Bruce told the Owls yesterday he wanted to speak to Newcastle and was told the deal can be done if Newcastle find the compensation fee.
But the team are expected to depart for China for the Premier Leagie's without a manager onboard.
Ben Dawson and Neil Redfearn will take charge of the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.
Should the formalities of of Bruce's deal get processed he could join the squad later on the trip.
However, he would almost certainly want to take a back seat for the first game and take a look at the squad that is likely to be at his disposal.
