EXCLUSIVE: Steve Bruce has three free-agents on his radar, including Jack Wilshere

New West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Bruce is looking at host of free agents to bolster his squad and one of those is Jack Wilshere, TEAMtalk understands.

Bruce was appointed at the Hawthorns on an 18-month contract on Thursday night. It’s just three and a half months after leaving Newcastle and suggesting he would not return to the dugout. But Albion officials must have made a good case for the 61-year-old to return, despite the transfer window being shut.

Bruce takes over from Valerien Ismael, who was sacked on Wednesday, with a number of free-transfer signings in his sights.

And one of those is the 30-year-old former Arsenal midfielder Wilshere. He is available on a free transfer having not played since last year when he featured for Bournemouth.

Wilshere is approaching full fitness having been training with Arsenal for a number of months.

Now Bruce is considering a move for Wilshere, who would no doubt add some quality to his midfield options.

Wilshere has been working alongside Arsenal’s first-team squad, while also coaching the U18s.

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Mbenza and Diame offered, along with Wilshere

“I’ve been doing as much coaching as possible,” Wilshere told Arsenal Media. “Obviously, if the manager needs a player and they’re training at the same time, it was quite difficult, but actually, because of Covid it worked out quite nice that I was training in the morning with the first team and then coaching in the afternoon with the under 18s.”

TEAMtalk also understands Bruce has also been offered some other players who could make a return to English football, including Isaac Mbenza and Mohamed Diame.

Former Huddersfield Town winger Mbenza is understood to be a free agent after leaving Qatar Sports Club. The 25-year-old has been offered to a number of Championship clubs including West Brom.

Another interesting option could be Diame, a player who Bruce is a confirmed fan of, having signed the player during his tenure at Hull.

Again the 34-year-old is a free agent after leaving Qatari club Al Ahli.