Steve Bruce's job is 'not under threat and is unlikely to be any time soon', according to The Telegraph's Luke Edwards. 

The lowdown

Newcastle sit 17th in the early Premier League table, having failed to win any of their first six matches.

They were held to a draw by newly-promoted Watford last weekend despite positing an xG of 2.23, relative to their opponent's 0.77.

Their defending is also a worry. Only bottom-of-the-table Norwich City (16) have conceded more goals than Newcastle's 14.

The latest

Edwards has been 'reliably informed' that Bruce has the confidence of the powers-that-be at the club. They don't see him as being 'under pressure' at the present time.

In fact, they believe 'performances have deserved more points' and that 'the dressing room is united' in support of the 60-year-old behind the scenes.

There's also satisfaction at the style of play, with Newcastle now 'more entertaining to watch than previous years'.

The verdict

When Callum Wilson returns from injury, the likelihood is that Newcastle will start picking up the points to move up the table and away from danger.

But this ringing endorsement of Bruce is still a little worrying. It points to a major disconnect at the club, with fans sure to take serious offence to the verdict on Bruce's play style.

It's also claimed that the dressing room are all behind him, but then how do they explain the fractious atmosphere at the training ground? 

In other news, fans slammed this man's display against Watford.