Steve Bruce planning to sign a midfielder on loan in January – Report

Steve Bruce wants to sign another midfielder in January according to the Shields Gazzette’s Miles Starforth – but he could use the loan market to bring one in.

United’s head coach revealed during an interview with local press last week that he felt the club was “a little bit short” in midfield, hinting it’s an area he plans to improve in the new year:

“We have six centre-backs, three right-backs, but are a little bit short in midfield areas,”

“So we’ll have a little look at that, and you’re always looking to add that bit of quality, wherever it is, and see if we can add.”

As for a loan deals, we’ve certainly had a mixed bag in the way of January loans in recent years.

Dubravka and Kenedy were instant successes despite the Brazilian’s eventual fall from grace, but Islam Slimani and Antonio Barreca were a complete waste of time and money.

Bruce is apparently keen for more “legs” in midfield, which makes complete sense given the big, and ultimately successful, gamble he took by putting Matty Longstaff in against Manchester United. Even though Shelvey and Ki were available for that game, Bruce felt the midfield lacked energy and mobility while Issac Hayden was suspended. Given Hayden is the only naturally defensive midfielder we have, that’s another area we could be looking at.

We’ve already been linked with Strasbourg’s Ibrahima Sissoko and Bruce is believed to think the club made a mistake in letting Mo Diame leave without a replacement.

Whatever happens in January, it would seem certain that Ki Seung-yun’s Newcastle career is over, who despite having a great spell in the team this time last year, isn’t in Bruce’s long term plans at all.

Also it’s reported that Steve Nickson, has been in South America on club business where he has been looking at Number 10’s. Nickson spent sometime in the U.S around the same last year, and that trip ultimately proved to be fruitful as he secured the deal for Miguel Almiron.

A similarly successful trip again would be brilliant thanks Steve!

(Fancy writing for us? Get in touch at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

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