Surprise name linked with NUFC job as new report claims move has been made in 'past few hours'

Gennaro Gattuso has been named as a shock candidate to replace Steve Bruce this summer.

Italian media outlet CalcioMercato claim we have made a move for the AC Milan legend in the 'past few hours', stating he is keen on a move to the Premier League and has also received interest from Wolves.

The 2006 World Cup winner is currently in charge of Serie A giants Napoli - a side who sit 5th in the Italian top flight as things stand - and is believed to have fallen out with the club's hierarchy.

National paper La Gazzetta dello Sport linked us with Gattuso back in 2019 following Rafa Benitez’s departure - a situation that ultimately ended up with us appointing Steve Bruce.

That said, these reports should be taken with a hefty pinch of Sicilian salt, with Italian media getting plenty wrong over the past few years when it comes to potential comings and goings at Newcastle United.

Who knows, Mike Ashley may feel Bruce will be a dead man walking ahead of the imminent return of unhappy fans at St James' Park, however it seems unlikely to me that he'll sack his man as long as he's on track to keep us in the Premier League.

Big claims from Italy, but I'd file them in the highly dubious department for now!

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