Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce thinks that Jeff Hendrick is better than Nabil Bentaleb, according to the Northern Echo.
Bentaleb spent the second half of last season on loan at Newcastle from Schalke, with the Magpies having an option to make the deal a permanent one.
However, Newcastle have decided against signing £9 million-rated Bentaleb (BILD) on a long-term basis as Bruce feels that there is better out there.
Newcastle are now said to be ‘confident’ of signing Hendrick, who is available on a free transfer, and Bruce feels that he is getting a significant upgrade.
The former Burnley man has proven a solid and reliable figure at Premier League level for a number of years, and Newcastle feel he could prove to be a real bargain.
Hendrick may not be the most exciting of additions, but he adds to Newcastle’s options in the middle of the park.
And if Bruce is correct, and Hendrick turns out to be a better player than Bentaleb, then his signing looks a no-brainer, especially on a free transfer.
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