'He'll jump at the chance' - Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce tipped to take 'dream' Newcastle United job by fellow candidate Sam Allardyce
Speculation has continued to intensify over the last 24 hours, with a number of media outlets reporting that Bruce – the bookies 1/5 favourite for the job – is edging closer to a St James’ Park switch, with less than a month to go until the 2019/20 Championship season begins.
Speaking to radio station talkSPORT (via the Guardian), ex-England boss Allardyce claimed he had been offered the position, but turned it down. He said: “I was very flattered that I was considered but it’s that thing…‘don’t go back.’
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Hide Ad“It never got to the type of talks people are suggesting, but it wasn’t for me. I politely said ‘no’. I never got to talk to Mike (Ashley). My agent contacted me, I had a think about it and a quick look at the situation and thanked them very much.”
The 64-year-old went to claim that Owls boss Bruce would be eager to take the vacant managerial position, and said: “If he gets offered the job, I’ll think he’ll jump at the chance. I think it would be one of his dreams to manage his hometown club.”
Losing their manager so close to the new season would certainly be a bitter pill for Owls fans to swallow, and despite Bruce refuting the claims on more than one occasion, the club are yet to issue a statement regarding the current situation. Further reports have surfaced suggesting the 58-year-old could be offered a hefty £60 million should he take the Magpies job, which could prove further incentive to leave Wednesday in the coming days.