Sheffield Wednesday manager Steve Bruce is open to an approach from Premier League side Newcastle United, according to reports from The Guardian.

The Magpies are on the lookout for a new manager, having failed to agree fresh terms with former boss Rafael Benitez who has now been appointed as the new manager of Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.

Reports from The Sun have claimed that, after sounding him out as the number-one choice to replace Benitez, the Magpies are set to make an approach for Wednesday boss Steve Bruce.

And now, the Guardian claims that Bruce is open to an approach from the Magpies, despite spending only six months in charge of the Yorkshire club.

Bruce took over from Jos Luhukay in January and made an immediate impact at Hillsborough, going unbeaten in his first 11 league games at the helm of the Owls.

Born in Newcastle, the 58-year-old is no stranger to the North East, especially after managing Sunderland between 2009 and 2011, winning 29 out of 98 games in charge of the Black Cats.

The former Aston Villa and Hull City boss is due to return to England on Wednesday, after the Owls' pre-season trip to Portugal.

The Verdict

This is a departure that would definitely split Wednesday fans right down the middle.

On one hand, he has a very close affinity to the North East, and managing a club the size of Newcastle United would be too much to turn down for loads of managers out there, regardless of whether they are in work or not.

But you get the feeling that Bruce is building something special at Wednesday - he really changed their fortunes last season, and has the full backing of the staff, fans and owners.

It would be a big blow for Wednesday if he were to leave.