Bruce – Newcastle ready to spend in January

Newcastle coach Steve Bruce says the club are willing to reinforce the squad in the upcoming January transfer window. The Magpies are currently locked in a relegation scrap in the top flight, with Bruce’s men 17th in the Premier League table.
Bruce, who replaced Rafa Benitez in the summer, has only managed to help his side win two of their games all season.
Despite their struggles, Newcastle have had enough in the tank to beat Tottenham and Manchester United. But after winning just one of their last five matches, Bruce is already looking ahead to the January transfer window.
Last week, the former Sunderland coach confirmed he was in the dark about the club’s spending power but now says managing director Lee Charnley has confirmed there is money to spend. “We’re working behind the scenes. Lee [Charnley] is working with that one. January, as I’ve always said in my experience, it is a very, very difficult month,” Bruce told reporters. “Yes, if there is somebody out there who can improve us – that is the most crucial thing. If there is somebody out there that can improve us, and we can get him, then I’m sure we’ll act.”
Reports in England have claimed the north-east outfit are trying to sign Strasbourg midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko.
Newcastle backed Bruce in the summer, with Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin, Emil Krafth and Jetro Willems all joining the club.
The Magpies have already tied goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to a new contract, while talks are ongoing with Sean and Matty Longstaff.
Bruce’s troops are next in action on Saturday when they travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.
Newcastle will then do battle with Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Sheffield United as they look to move away from the relegation zone.