Rooney ‘on shortlist’ to replace under-pressure Bruce at Newcastle

Jason Soutar
Wayne Rooney applauds his team

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney is on Newcastle United’s shortlist to replace current boss Steve Bruce, according to reports.

The Magpies currently sit 19th in the Premier League and have failed to win any of their opening eight league matches.

Bruce was under pressure before the start of the season, and their dismal start has put his position under even more scrutiny.


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The club’s recent Saudi-led takeover also sparked many conversations surrounding his future, with the new owners likely to begin the fresh chapter at St James’ Park with a new man in the dugout.

And Rooney could be the man to come in on a short-term basis to help steer the Geordies from relegation, according to SportBible.

The 35-year-old is currently in charge of Championship outfit Derby, who recently went into administration and are in great danger of dropping down into the third tier.

The Manchester United legend joins the likes of Roberto Martinez, Steven Gerrard, Lucien Favre and Unai Emery as possible replacements for Bruce.

Also reported by the Chronicle, Rooney would like to bring in former Toon goalkeeper Shay Given as part of his coaching staff.

Given previously worked as a first-team coach with the Rams under the ex-Everton striker and spent eight years at St James’.

Rooney told Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder in the summer: “Players I knew who played for the club [Newcastle] always said it was such a fantastic place to play football because the fans are out of this world.

“Their away support has to be one of the best as well, they create an incredible atmosphere everywhere they go.”

Elsewhere, Newcastle have been linked with a move for Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling.

Sterling has said he is open to leaving City and the Premier League champions are willing to let him go – if they receive the right offer.

According to Marca, the number they are looking for is close to £70million, with cash-strapped Barcelona also reportedly interested.

The 26-year-old is out of contract in 2023 and City’s valuation may also include the Newcastle premium after their takeover.