Steve Bruce has transfer message for Newcastle United fans

The club is set to unveil midfielder Jeff Hendrick, a free agent after leaving Burnley this summer, as its second summer signing.

United have already signed goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, also on a free transfer, ahead of the new campaign.

Bruce had opted not to sign anyone on a permanent basis in January’s transfer window – Newcastle’s head coach signed three loan players – in the belief that the club’s money would be better spent this summer.

The 59-year-old’s transfer budget will reflect the financial havoc which the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked on football over the past few months.

However, Bruce remains confident that he will be able to improve his squad.

“I can assure all the supporters there’ll be at least two or three (more signings),” said Bruce. “As I’ve said many, many times. I didn’t spend anything in January, when we had the chance to, because I didn’t think they were the right quality.

"It could only happen to me, mind. I kept my money for the summer – but unfortunately there’s a pandemic! We’ve been affected in that respect. I think the key to it is to be a little bit shrewd, and, of course, make sure you bring in that little bit of quality that makes the difference.

"It’s easy to go and get four or five players, but the thing is we’ve got to box a bit clever and get that bit of quality that keeps taking us forward.”