Report: Newcastle boss Steve Bruce ready to raid Villa for Elmohamady

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Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is ready to raid old club Aston Villa to sign Ahmed Elmohamady.

That’s according to The Sun, who claim the 58-year-old wants to go against his bosses wishes of signing somebody younger.

It is thought the Magpies remain locked in negotiations to sign Swedish right-back Emil Krafth from Amiens, but Bruce has his eye on the experienced Egypt international.

Bruce and Elmohamady have a good working relationship, with the pair having also been at Hull City and Sunderland together.

Villa signed Frenchman Frederic Guilbert in January, but loaned him straight back to Caen. Having impressing in pre-season, Dean Smith will have a decision to make over Elmohamady if Bruce does coming calling at the eleventh hour.

Given the player’s ability to play as a full-back and a winger though, Villa are arguably unlikely to let the player go without a fight.

TBR’s view

Newcastle fans are unlikely to greet interest in Elmohamady positively.

He is obviously a huge favourite of Bruce’s, but he would be a huge gamble for the Magpies.

Bruce is already up against it having replaced fan favourite Rafa Benitez, and this kind of deal could potentially make his life difficult in terms of winning people over.

Fans are expecting a major upgrade on DeAndre Yedlin before the transfer deadline, so if reports are to be believed then Bruce is really sticking his neck out.