Steve Bruce could be let go by Newcastle United in the coming weeks, as the club's new owners look to implement a raft of changes.
While it remains to be seen who will eventually replace the former Birmingham City and Sunderland boss, the early bookmakers favourite is Steven Gerrard, who could be in line for a spectacular Premier League return.
According to Sky Sports' Keith Downie, Bruce is set to be the first causality of the new era, after failing to win a Premier League game so far this season.
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On Thursday afternoon, the takeover of the Magpies was completed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, who purchased the club from Mike Ashley for just over £300 million.
With a sizable warchest expected to be at the disposal of the next Newcastle manager, the task of picking Bruce's replacement won't be a simple one for the key decision-makers.
Downie, who is Sky Sports' northeast reporter, tweeted on Thursday that he is "Expecting" Newcastle United's new owners to replace Steve Bruce as manager.
"The consortium don't want to make knee-jerk reactions but a change is almost certain."
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The 60-year-old has been in charge at St James' Park since 2019, and while the football hasn't been especially scintillating during that period, he did keep the club in the Premier League dispute there being very little investment in his squad.
"I know I may be sacked, but I won't be bitter," Bruce told The Telegraph in a recent interview.
Nevertheless, with the club now looking to kick on, there is a growing sense that Bruce has taken Newcastle as far as he can,
The assumption instead is that they will target a young, hungry coach, somebody like current bookies favourite Steven Gerrard - who could be exactly what the ownership group are after.
The Liverpool legend is as short as 3/1 with some bookmakers to become the next Newcastle manager, having steered Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership win in a decade.
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Other names currently being linked with the job include former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, Frank Lampard and even Eddie Howe - who is still out of work following his exit from Bouremouth.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Saudi Arabia, Steve Bruce, Premier League, Steven Gerrard, Newcastle United, Rangers
