Newcastle United defender in line for shock reunion with Steve Bruce

Newcastle United defender Ciaran Clark could be set for a summer reunion with former Magpies’ boss Steve Bruce, with West Bromwich Albion keen to secure his signature.

The Republic of Ireland international was left out of Newcastle’s 25-man Premier League squad, having played a key part in the opening half of the top flight season.

As a result, the 32-year-old has been unable to play for the Magpies since the end of January.

His last appearance for Eddie Howe’s United was off the bench in the 1-0 Premier League win over Leeds United on January 27.

And NewcastleWorld has learned Bruce, who handed Clark seven of his 14 appearances this season, is attempting to tie up a deal for the Irishman this summer.

Clark’s current United deal is understood to run until the summer of 2023, however with Howe and the Magpies keen to trim the fat off their Premier League playing staff, they will allow the former Aston Villa man to depart.

Clark had been looking to leave the club in January, when it became clear he would not longer be needed by Howe, but a move to Middlesbrough failed to materialise.

The player was understood to be keen to make the North East switch, but a deal with Chris Wilder’s men went cold in the final hours of the window.

Middlesbrough are thought to retain an interest in the player, but having managed the player on Tyneside, Bruce will feel he has an advantage in neotiations.

Clark is one of a number of players set to depart United in the summer.

The likes of Isaac Hayden, Dwight Gayle, Freddie Woodman, Jamal Lewis, Jeff Hendrick, Federico Fernandez and Karl Darlow will be allowed to leave.