New Steve Bruce claims emerge as reporter reveals Sheffield Wednesday's side of the story
According to the Sun's Alan Nixon, Sheffield Wednesday chiefs are 'shocked' at reports Newcastle would have to pay just £1m in compensation to land Steve Bruce, insisting he won't come 'cheap'.
Nixon states that the compensation package is "much, much more" than the £1m fee claimed after widespread reports had suggested we'll now make an official approach to lure him to St James' Park.
As you can see below, he insists that "Newcastle won't be able to do this cheap", suggesting Mike Ashley may have to splash more cash than initially reported if he's to land his alleged 'no.1' target:
In addition to Nixon's claims, fellow journalist David Smith has claimed it could cost Newcastle around '£3-4m' to land Bruce - NOT the £1m that was initially reported:
As much as we're in desperate need for a new manager and some form of direction ahead of our trip to China this week, it's fair to say there'd be no tears shed on Tyneside should any move for Bruce break down!
To say he'd be an underwhelming replacement for Rafa Benitez would be the understatement of the century.
That said, I feel it's important we refrain from directing all our frustrations on Bruce should he end up being the man we appoint at St James' and make sure we don't lose sight of the real villain here - Mike Ashley. He's the man that has plunged us into compete and utter turmoil this summer, not Bruce, with the latter being an honest bloke who's been called upon to clear up his mess and stabilise this sinking ship.
Yes he's an extremely average manager who also took the job on Wearside just a few years ago, but he is not going to turn down the chance to manage his boyhood club at this stage in his career.
Considering Ashley's so good at scuppernong potential takeovers, let's hope claims of a steeper compensation fee see this deal fall flat - not that I expect to appoint much better than Bruce while Ashley's still about.
