Exclusive - Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is keen on signing a number of Manchester United players on loan in January, but is yet to decide which one to pursue.
The Magpies are looking for some extra Premier League experience to aid their push to climb up the table, but limited finances have left Newcastle forced to consider a handful of targets to sign on loan this winter.
Bruce has made it clear to the club's hierarchy that he wants at least three new players before the transfer window closes, and sources have confirmed to 90min that he has mentioned three United outcasts as possible targets.
Full-back Brandon Williams is high on his wish list, and reports elsewhere have suggested that a deal has been agreed in principle to sign the versatile 20-year-old.
However, Bruce has also expressed an interest in centre-back Phil Jones and midfielder Jesse Lingard, both of whom are also attracting attention from around the Premier League as well.
Bruce has spoken at length with United, with whom he has an incredibly positive relationship stemming from his trophy-laden time at the club between 1987 and 1996, and there is real optimism that the two clubs will do business at some point in January.
The two sides are discussing potential moves for all three, with Bruce yet to completely decide which to pull the trigger on.
United are pushing for Jones to be the man to make the move to Newcastle. The high-earning 28-year-old is towards the top of the list of players United want to offload, and Bruce is known to be a big fan of the England international.
The Red Devils are even prepared to pay some of Jones' wages in order to facilitate his temporary exit from the club, but Bruce is hesitant to shake hands just yet as he wants to evaluate the other options first.
United are yet to decide whether Lingard and Williams will be allowed to leave on loan this winter, but Bruce has made it known that he would be prepared to take on either player if the chance presented itself.
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Source: 90min
