Sheffield Wednesday boss Steve Bruce has reportedly emerged as a favourite to take up the vacant managerial position at Newcastle United this summer.
Rafael Benitez left the club in May after his representatives failed to strike an agreement with Newcastle over a new contract at St James' Park.
The former captain of Manchester United, who is from Tyneside, previously managed rivals Sunderland between 2009 and 2011.
According to The Chronicle, Bruce has now become the bookies' favourite - overtaking Mikel Arteta - to take up the Newcastle role ahead of next season.
The 58-year-old, who became Sheffield Wednesday manager in January after a break from management, was on Newcastle's shortlist of options back in 2015 when Steve McClaren received the job.
Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira and Roberto Martinez are among the other candidates rumoured to be under consideration by Newcastle.
