Bruce forgets takeover talk and demands exciting double Newcastle raid

Newcastle are keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn and Norwich’s Todd Cantwell this summer, according to a report.

Bruce has done an excellent job this season, steadying the Newcastle ship after Rafael Benitez’s turbulent exit last season.

Indeed, the Magpies could finish with 49 Premier League points, more than they managed in each of the last two campaigns.

However, speculation remains about Bruce’s future and the club’s transfer plans, amid a potential takeover from a Saudi-backed consortium.

According to the Daily Record, though, Bruce is keen to ignore the uncertainty. The manager has reportedly told senior Newcastle figures that he wants four new signings before next season.

One such player, the newspaper says, is McGinn. Bruce has history with the Scot, signing him for Aston Villa before Dean Smith took charge.

Bruce is hoping to feed off the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder, amid Villa’s looming relegation fears. The 1-1 draw with Everton on Thursday means they remain three points off safety with two games remaining.

Indeed, a separate report has outlined Villa’s fears about losing their top talent. Smith’s men are reportedly gearing up to drop defender Tyrone Mings’ asking price to £30million.

 

 

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail says Newcastle are also keen on Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell. The Englishman has impressed on his step up to the top flight and is the Canaries’ second-highest scorer this season.

The newspaper adds that Leicester are also targeting a move for Cantwell, but they are yet to finalise their spending plans amid a scrap for Champions League qualification.

FARKE KEEN TO KEEP CANTWELL

In any case, Norwich boss Daniel Farke has said he is confident of keeping his best players. The club were the lowest spenders in the top flight last season.

Farke said (via the Daily Mail): “We are in a solid financial situation and no pressure at all. I am pretty confident that we keep all best players.

“The good thing is that it is not like we need to earn money. I expect all key players and young prospects are willing to stay and we are capable of keeping them.”

READ MORE: Celtic on alert as Newcastle ponder selling highly-rated talent