Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has confirmed he has money to spend in the January transfer market.

Bruce is upbeat following a “very, very good meeting" with owner Mike Ashley this week.

"It went very well," Bruce said of the meeting with Ashley. "We just reiterated what I've been saying to you guys. We showed what we are trying to do and he was fully supportive of that.

"We've got one or two plates spinning and we hope we can add to the squad by the end of the month.

"What I've said from the start is that we've got one or two targets in mind and if they don't come off, then I'm not just going to jump into the [transfer] window just for the sake of it.

"They have to try and improve us if we're going to act. There's funds available if we need it but that's always been the case.

"He was interested in who we are looking at and which areas we are looking to strengthen and what type of player.

"He took a genuine interest in all of that, so it was a very, very good meeting."