Newcastle United will have to pay Sheffield Wednesday £1million for Steve Bruce and are hoping to announce him as their new manager before the weekend, according to the Mirror.
Bruce has emerged as the favourite to succeed Rafa Benitez at St James' Park and Newcastle are expected to make an official approach to Sheffield Wednesday within the next few days.
Newcastle are prepared to pay Sheffield Wednesday £1million in compensation for Bruce and are hoping to announce him as their new head coach before their pre-season trip to China this weekend.
Sheffield Wednesday appointed Bruce as their new manager in January this year, replacing Jos Luhukay, who was sacked in December with the Owls six points above the relegation zone.
Bruce took charge of his first game in February and was able to guide the Owls to a top-half finish in the Championship last season.
The Owls boss has already started making moves in the transfer market this summer, as he looks to build a team that will challenge for promotion next season.
Bruce has already released several senior players this summer and Sheffield Wednesday confirmed defender Julian Borner as his first signing for the club earlier today.
The Verdict
This is worrying news for Sheffield Wednesday fans, as Bruce could find it very difficult to turn down the chance to manage his hometown club.
As for Newcastle, it was always going to be difficult for them to replace Benitez but I think Bruce could be a good appointment for them.
He has got plenty of experience in the Premier League and is a great man-manager - he could be able to get the best out of the Newcastle players.
It will be a major blow for Sheffield Wednesday to lose him, as he has already shown in his short time at the club that he is more than capable of achieving success at Hillsborough.