Steve Bruce 'to be sacked by Newcastle United next week'

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce will reportedly be relieved of his duties next week.

The 60-year-old's future has been shrouded in uncertainty since the Saudi-backed takeover of the club was given the green light, and he recently admitted that he was fearful over potentially losing his job.

Bruce's existing deal with the Magpies is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, and the manager has overseen 29 wins from 96 games in charge of the club as they lie 19th in the Premier League table after seven matches this term.

According to The Mirror, Newcastle's new owners have decided that fresh blood is needed in the dugout, and Bruce will be sacked by the club next week.

The report adds that Newcastle have already received 'several' approaches over the manager's job, with Graeme Jones set to take caretaker charge while the club seeks a long-term successor to Bruce.

Antonio Conte was originally reported to be favourite to take over but supposedly has no interest in the role, while Graham Potter, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have also been linked with a move to the North East.