Steve Bruce scouted his now player Karlan Grant when he was Newcastle boss

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Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has admitted that he scouted his current West Brom forward Karlan Grant when he was Toon boss.

Bruce has been a long admirer of the 24-year-old. Speaking to BirminghamLive, Bruce explained how he sent two of his coaches to watch the forward when he was playing for Huddersfield.

“At Huddersfield, I sent Stephen Clemence and Steve Agnew to watch him when we were first in at Newcastle,” he said.

“They came back with a glowing report.”

Grant never proved himself in the Premier League, it probably wouldn’t have worked out for him at Newcastle

Grant played for both Huddersfield and West Brom in the Premier League. Considering his goal record across two seasons, he wouldn’t have added much to Newcastle’s side.

He only scored five goals across both campaigns. Four of those came when he joined Huddersfield midway through the season in which they were relegated.

As a youngster, he excited in the Football League. He broke out at Charlton where his success helped him land a move to Huddersfield.

Grant is the current top scorer for West Brom with 12 goals this season. He’s also registered five assists for the Baggies. However, this season has been underwhelming for West Brom, who appointed Bruce in February.

If anything it has gone from bad to worse for them. They’ve gone from being in and around the play-offs to 13th place in the second tier.

Since Bruce took charge Grant has scored twice, with both goals coming in a 2-0 away win against Hull City. This was the ex-Toon boss’ first win in charge of West Brom.

He’s managed two clubs this season and before that win last week, he hadn’t won a game this season. He will hope it’s now the start of a transformation of the Baggies form.

Newcastle however, are in a strong run of form under Eddie Howe. With new owners and an exciting project on the horizon, Newcastle has attracted some top players.

Before they’ve even secured safety they’ve been able to land Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes. Should they survive this season, there will be a lot of excitement as to who they can bring to Tyneside.