The search for a successor to Rafa Benitez could soon be over for Newcastle United.

The Sun claims that a deal to bring Steve Bruce to St James' Park is close.

The Geordie has held talks with Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley. Sources claim their chat went well and that Bruce is "excited" about the St James' Park job.

Bruce was at Hillsborough yesterday and has told Wednesday he wants to move to the Toon.

But his deal is unlikely to be signed off in time for him to travel with Newcastle to China tomorrow.

The Toon are taking part in the Premier League Asia Trophy and play Wolves in Nanjing on Wednesday.

Yet visas for China take at least 48 hours so Bruce will link-up with Newcastle late, if at all.