STEVE Bruce has warned Newcastle United fans to be patient with the club as they scour the market for new signings. 

The Magpies are yet to bring any new signings into the club and injuries mean they're looking short in certain positions. Martin Dubravka is set for a spell on the sidelines while Jonjo Shelvey is currently recovering from a calf injury sustained before pre-season. 

While work is ongoing to bolster the squad ahead of the new Premier League season, Bruce has warned fans not to expect new signings in the immediate future.

Newcastle were reported to have made a weak offer for Wolves defender Dion Sanderson, who has now joined Championship side Birmingham City on loan.

Bruce's number one target Joe Willock remains a firm focus of Newcastle and they've pressed the issue with his parent club Arsenal but the Gunners remain defiant in their message of testing out the midfielder in pre-season.

Willock was recently a second half substitute in Arsenal's 2-2 friendly draw with Rangers but Geordie fans remain hopeful he can come back and picked up where he left off after impressing with seven goals in a loan spell on Tyneside last season. 

Away from Willock, Bruce admitted that there are conversations ongoing to bring in fresh faces but there won't be anyone through the door anytime soon. 

"We've got one or two things bubbling away" said Bruce.

"Obviously with Joe, it's in Arsenal's court and we cannot dictate to Arsenal.

"We've got one or two others bubbling away. I know for a fact it's going to be very, very slow in terms of the transfer market.

"I knew it was going to be with the European Championships and COVID affecting everybody. It's difficult for everybody at the moment.

"So there'll be a bit of work to be done, we've got one or two things bubbling but nothing really imminent."

The club have taken some recent knocks with the news their arbitration case against the Premier League, which was instigated in an attempt to resurrect the club’s proposed Saudi Arabian takeover, has been delayed until the start of 2022 at the earliest.

However, Bruce says the situation regarding the takeover hasn't affected things on the transfer front for the club

"No, my job is to carry on and I'll carry on to the best of my ability. It's not easy, it's what I've got to do, though."

Newcastle's first league game of the season is at home to West Ham United on Sunday 15th August while their next friendly tie is against League One Doncaster Rovers this Friday.