How Steve Bruce could be handed a £17m boost to his summer transfer kitty at Newcastle United

Following a turbulent campaign, where at one stage relegation to the Championship looked a real possibility, Steve Bruce’s men went on to place one position higher and one point better off than last year.

A run of just two defeats in their final nine games – including wins over Burnley, West Ham, Leicester City, Sheffield United and Fulham – allowed the Magpies to climb the table and provide a potential boost to Bruce’s summer transfer kitty.

It is expected the Magpies head coach will be working on a reduced budget after the club’s finances were hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in which supporters have been locked out of St James’s Park.

There is of course the ongoing takeover saga, with Mike Ashley involved in a legal challenge against the Premier League via arbitration and Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT).

Bruce has already confirmed his desire to sign Joe Willock permanently.

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