Steve Bruce will oversee Sheff Wed’s friendly with Lincoln City today - but Newcastle United remain in talks with the ex-Man United defender.
Bruce did not travel with his players on the team bus and arrived independently at Sincil Bank.
The Owls are digging their heels in on a compensation deal but Newcastle are working with Sheff Wed and Bruce’s legal team.
Newcastle set off to China without a manager with Ben Dawson and Neil Redfearn in charge.
But Lee Charnley could join up with the Magpies later on the trip with the managerial situation the main priority at the club.
It remains to be seen whether Bruce addresses the media after the game with Lincoln.
