Newcastle wanted to strengthen on both wings this summer, but having signed Allan Saint-Maximin last week, Harry Wilson – one of the options to fill the right wing berth – may be heading elsewhere.
The Mail Online claims that Bournemouth are closing in on a loan deal for Wilson, who lit up the Championship with some electrifying performances for Derby last season.
It will be a blow for Bruce’s recruitment drive, particularly as he had wanted to do a loan deal for the youngster, but it was thought Liverpool would only sanction a permanent move, although it seems that their stance may have changed.
The Mail article reports that it will be a temporary move to the south coast, but a fee will be paid by Eddie Howe’s side, and guarantees of game time are likely to be included in the arrangement – which suggests that an option to buy will not be included.
Whether guaranteeing starts for the Welshman was something Bruce did not want to do, or whether our interest was never as genuine as thought, remains to be seen.
Newcastle still need to sign players before transfer window closes
But if Newcastle were genuinely in for the player, a deal to a Premier League rival will be a blow to Bruce’s plans with just a couple of days of the transfer window remaining.
There are sure to be other names on the list of potential signings, and it may even be that Bruce could see Matt Ritchie or Saint-Maximin play on the right-wing.
But whatever happens with the wing positions, Newcastle need to be active in the final hours of the window, with some signings still desperately required before the season starts.
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