Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is counting on a busy summer market.

Bruce is eager to improve the spine of his team with centre-back and centre-midfield a priority and the club looking closely at a list of strikers, says Chronicle Live.

Bruce who ended the season by guiding the team to 12th and put a 17-point gap between United and Fulham is now on holiday but the squad are due to return to Benton on July 5.

As the season ended, Bruce said: "We know we have the makings of a half-decent team.

"When everybody is fit at the top end of the pitch, including Joe Willock, and Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin, we have plenty going forward.

"So let's build on that and hope we can have a fruitful summer to strengthen."