Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce has admitted that he has held talks with Newcastle United about the possibility of succeeding Rafa Benitez.

The 58-year-old has emerged as the strong favourite to take over at the Magpies, the club he supported as a boy.

And, the Owls chief revealed to the Sheffield Star after their 3-1 win at Lincoln yesterday that he has spoken to Newcastle’s managing director Lee Charnley about the job after chairman Dejphon Chansiri granted him permission to do so.

“Out of respect, I thought it was only right that I go and talk (to #NUFC). It was over before it started and thankfully the chairman gave me permission to go and have a conversation. We will see what develops after that.”

Wednesday supporters at the game chanted for the manager throughout, although one fan did try and confront Bruce.

Given he only took over at Hillsborough earlier this year, his departure would be tough for many fans of the Yorkshire club to take.

And, it’s fair to say the reaction on Twitter to his comments didn’t go down too well…