Steve Bruce reveals 'big conversations' at Newcastle United

The club this week saw its Premier League status secured for another season following Fulham’s defeat to Burnley on Monday night.

And Bruce – who has finalised the club’s pre-season programme – is set for discussions with managing director Lee Charnley and owner Mike Ashley over contracts, transfers and the direction of a club which has spent most of the campaign hovering just over the relegation zone.

A number of players, notably Federico Fernandez, Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll and Paul Dummett – are out of contract at the end the campaign.

“What we’ve got, how we’re gonna go forward, what we’ve got to spend, all of them things will be discussed, but that’s normal, like any club,” said United’s head coach.

"We’ve had small conversations about pre-season. Pre-season’s in place, hopefully we’ll announce a few dates for that one. What we’re doing here, there and everywhere.

"Players out of contract, Bosman situations, and then, of course, what we’ve got and where we want to take the club will be the big conversation. That’s it, basically. That’s normal.”

Asked if the discussions would focus on a vision for the club, Bruce added: “There’s an insatiable appetite from the supporters to be in the top 10 – that’s where we all want to be.

"We’re not going to able to do it by being like what Aston Villa have done. We can’t do it overnight. I believe we got the makings of a decent team. Slowly but surely will have to get a squad together that the supporters can enjoy.”

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