Steve Bruce remains in place as manager of Sheffield Wednesday today as they play a pre-season friendly against Lincoln City but reports continue to link him with a move to Premier League club Newcastle United.
Per the Chronicle, Bruce did not travel with the team to the friendly and arrived independently. He is said to have agreed terms with Newcastle but the Championship club have not yet agreed to a compensation deal. Newcastle, meanwhile, are in China for their pre-season without a manager.
Newcastle’s move for Steve Bruce has hit a snag, as Sheffield Wednesday hold out for a fee far greater than Newcastle originally expected. The Owls are holding out for significantly more for him & his assistants #NUFC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 12, 2019
A #SWFC fan confronted Steve Bruce in the dug-out and has now been escorted off the pitch by the stewards. The fan was booed by the away end.
— Dom Howson (@domhowson) July 13, 2019
He's just confronted Steve Bruce ... #SWFC @netflecks Then 'Steve Bruce Barmy Army' rings around the stands. pic.twitter.com/K77x3wfWPH
— James 👑 (@HashtagChambers) July 13, 2019
The majority of fans in attendance gave Bruce a huge reception, with chants throughout from the away end.
Newcastle have been without a manager even since Rafa Benetiz left for China. Speaking on TalkSport, former boss Sam Allardyce said he turned down the role last week.
I was very flattered that I was considered but it’s that thing... ‘don’t go back’. It never got to the type of talks people are suggesting but it wasn’t for me. I politely said no.
“I never got to talk to Mike (Ashley). My agent contacted me, I had a think about it and a quick look at the situation and thanked them very much.
Speaking after the game, Bruce confirmed he had spoken to Newcastle and it is in the hands of both clubs now.
