Steve Bruce is closing in on a switch to Newcastle United after 'resigning' from his post at Sheffield Wednesday, according to reports.
The former Manchester United defender has been heavily linked with the job at the Magpies ever since Rafa Benitez allowed his contract to run out.
The Times are claiming that Bruce and his assistants Steve Agnew and Stephen Clemence notified the Owls this morning of their imminent departures, as another of Leeds United's Championship rivals suffer a turbulent summer.
The Magpies have identified the former Sunderland manager as their first choice to replace Benitez at St James’ Park.
The two clubs have been locked in negotiations over the weekend, although Bruce did take charge of the Owls’ pre-season victory over Lincoln City on Saturday.
Speaking after the match to BBC Radio Sheffield, the former Manchester United defender said: “It’s in the hands of both clubs and we will see what develops over the next 24 to 48 hours.”
However, Bruce now seems to have taken matters into his own hands, with reports leaking that the Wednesday boss has resigned from his post at Hillsborough.
Although the Owls are yet to confirm or deny the reports, broken by The Times’ Northern Football Correspondent Paul Joyce, it would appear his time at S6 is over.
Mike Ashley and Dejphon Chansiri have been unable to agree a compensation package to date, with Wednesday wanting a reported £4.5m for Bruce and an additional £1.5m for his backroom team of Steve Agnew and Steve Clemence.
Bruce's management career began at Sheffield United during the 1998/99 season when he took over as player-coach.
The former centre-back went on to manage Huddersfield Town, Wigan Athletic (twice), Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, Sunderland, Hull City and Aston Villa before taking over at Wednesday earlier this year.
Bruce has won four promotions to the Premier League, twice with Birmingham and twice with Hull City.
