Bruce’s bizarre transfer update & revealing response to contract rumours after 2-0 win vs Burton

Steve Bruce left a few Newcastle fans scratching their heads after last night’s 2-0 win at Burton, offering a contradictory update on our search for new signings.

The NUFC boss insisted that we are “doing our utmost” to bring Joe Willock back to the club…but went on to say that we “haven’t bid for anybody yet” just seconds later.

Odd and altogether frustrating, however Bruce did state that he remains confident we’ll “bring in two of three new players” – even if fans may have to wait “another week or so” to see new signings arrive.

The 60-year-old also played down claims that a new ‘three-year deal’ was in the offing, saying that was ‘news to him.’

That said, he did confirm that his current contract does NOT expire next summer – suggesting the ‘initial’ three-year deal he signed back in 2019 has been extended, perhaps via a rolling contract.

Bruce also confirmed that Callum Wilson missed out on the 2-0 win with a ‘slight knock’ to his hamstring. He claims our new no.9 would’ve been ok to start had it been a league game and will be back in training next week.

As for Allan Saint-Maximin, the NUFC boss says it’s “possible” he’ll be fit to face Norwich at SJP on Saturday, insisting it’ll all depend how he recovers from this bout of “illness” over the coming days”.

Here’s what he’s had to say on all of the above:

Bruce on transfers / Joe Willock:

“We’re doing our utmost to try to make Joe Willock work, we’re doing everything we possibly can.

“He’s Arsenal’s player and we must respect that. But, we can only explore it for so long – and that time is going a bit short.”

“We can’t wait forever.

“We’ve made it pretty obvious all summer that he’s our number one target, so we’ll keep working away at it and see if something can develop. But, there comes a cut-off period.”

“We haven’t made a bid for anybody – yet.

“We’ve got one or two irons in the fire.

“I’m confident that we’ll bring two or three new players in, but we’ll have to wait another week or so.”

Bruce on his future / talk of him being offered a three-year deal:

Steve Bruce says any talk on contract extension is 'news to him'. Confirms he has not had sit down talks with club re deal… HOWEVER, when asked whether his contract expires at the end of season, he said: "No."#NUFC

— Liam Kennedy (@LiamJKennedy23) July 30, 2021

Bruce on Callum Wilson:

Bruce tells @bbcnewcastle Callum Wilson missed the match because of slight hamstring injury, but he expects him back in training by the middle of next week.

“If it was a league game tonight, I think he would have played,” Bruce said. #NUFC

— Matthew Raisbeck (@raisbeck10) July 30, 2021

Bruce on Allan Saint-Maximin:

Bruce tells @bbcnewcastle it’s “possible” Allan Saint-Maximin could be back from illness for the friendly against Norwich next Saturday but they’ll “have to see how he recovers.” #NUFC

— Matthew Raisbeck (@raisbeck10) July 30, 2021