Newcastle United have spoken to Manchester United about the possibility of signing Axel Tuanzebe, according to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards.
The lowdown
Bruce is certainly familiar with Tuanzebe, who was twice loaned to Aston Villa during the manager's stint in the Midlands.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started the 23-year-old just four times in last season's Premier League. He averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.7 clearances and 1.9 accurate long balls per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).
After he helped his side reach the semifinals of the Europa League last term, Solskjaer hailed him as 'outstanding'.
Tuanzebe is into the final 12 months of his contract, but Manchester United have the option to extend it for a further year. He's currently valued at £7.2million by Transfermarkt.
With less than three weeks to go until they open the season against West Ham, Newcastle have still yet to make a senior signing.
The latest
The report says that Newcastle are hoping to 'finally make a breakthrough in the transfer market' by striking a deal for Tuanzebe.
He's 'another name in the frame' at St James' Park and 'could be [their] first signing' as they play the waiting game for former loanee Joe Willock.
Tuanzebe 'looks set to leave Old Trafford' with a move for Raphael Varane being lined-up.
They may either pursue a loan deal or a permanent transfer, having discussed both options with the Red Devils.
The verdict
Newcastle could do with a centre-back this summer, and Tuanzebe would a smart addition. He's a talented young defender who should be available for a reasonable price, and he has played in a three at the back system before, as well as holding experience playing for Bruce specifically.
Perhaps his most impressive recent performance came in a 2-1 Champions League group stage victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. Tuanzebe was drafted into the side and coped well with the immense threat of superstar Kylian Mbappe.
That display should perhaps be viewed as an indication of his potential and his readiness for the top level.
In other news, this 'sensational' star is closing in on a Newcastle exit.