Newcastle have agreed a deal with Manchester United to sign Brandon Williams with Southampton at risk of missing out on the young defender, as reported by the Shields Gazette.
Steve Bruce might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but what the Magpies boss arguably lacks in tactical ingenuity he makes up for in contacts.
As a Manchester United legend, Bruce remains a popular figure at Old Trafford and enjoys a healthy relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick.
This means Newcastle were always likely to be at the front of the queue once 20-year-old Williams was made available on loan.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton are also keen to sign the tough-tackling full-back on a short-term deal but, according to the Gazette, it is Newcastle who are the clear frontrunners at present.
A deal is understood to have been agreed in principle.
Williams, a two-footed defender equally comfortable on the left or the right, would give Bruce plenty of options at the back and can put further pressure on the struggling £15 million summer signing Jamal Lewis.
“You saw Brandon and the character he showed,” Solskjaer told MUTV after last season’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea, hailing Williams’ ability to bounce back from mistakes.
“He played a square pass into Mount [which led to their second goal] and he probably felt a bit responsible, but for the rest of the half he was absolutely outstanding.
“His character and personality out there was great, he kept going and kept going.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
