Journalist names 2 players Bruce wants to sign in January – but admits 1 is ‘ambitious’..

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh believes Hull City star Jarrod Bowen and Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka are two players Steve Bruce is still targeting ahead of the January transfer window.

That said, the NUFC reporter admits he’s be ‘shocked’ if a an ‘ambitious’ move for the Arsenal skipper came off.

This comes from The Athletic’s latest Q&A, with Waugh having the following to say when asked to name player on Bruce’s winter wanted list:

“Bowen is definitely one, and the interest in Xhaka is genuine (if ambitious, and I’d be shocked if that happened).

“A few other names have been put to me over the past couple of weeks but I am yet to get them fully firmed up, but I will come back to you on those if and when I do.”

The last line is an interesting one, suggesting we may hear a few new names linked in the coming weeks if the credibility of these whispers are verified by those ‘in the know.

Back to the two names mentioned, it’s been well documented that Bruce is a big fan of Bowen. However, you can’t help but wonder if we’ve missed the boat on him.

He was ours over the summer for £20m if you believe what some local journalists say, but that price tag may have only increased given he’s scored a 14 goals already for Hull this season.

As for Xhaka, Emery’s sacking may mean he has a future at Arsenal. Not only that, both his wage demands, potential interest from elsewhere and the form of Jonjo Shelvey may see us abort mission on this one.

Bruce recently insisted (not for the first time) that January is a ‘difficult’ window, as if he was protecting fans from potential disappointment.

With this in mind, I’m expecting a loan or two and little more – although that may change if a decent offer arrives for Dwight Gayle and a handy replacement becomes available.

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

2 thoughts on “Journalist names 2 players Bruce wants to sign in January – but admits 1 is ‘ambitious’..

  1. Stu:
    ‘missed the boat’ on a players whose contract is al but up…? ?

    Have a word!

    People keep on forgetting the fact Hull have an option to extend his current deal by another year – and they’ll most definitely do that given it’s either ‘lose him on a free next summer’ or sell him for £20-25m after he signs extension.

    He won’t be leaving on a free.

      (Quote)

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