Steve Bruce will reportedly become the worst paid manager in the Premier League if he becomes Newcastle’s new boss.
The 58-year-old is thought to be close to agreeing a contract with the north east club following the departure of Rafael Benitez.
The Mirror claim that Bruce will take £1million-a-year at his boyhood club compared to the £6million his predecessor picked up.
The deal on the table for the current Sheffield Wednesday boss would be incentive-driven with bonuses for avoiding relegation.
Simon Jordan on Steve Bruce links to Newcastle United job
The report says Bruce would collected an extra payment for every place Newcastle finish above the bottom three.
The Magpies flew out to China on Saturday to be part of the Premier League Asia Trophy ahead of the new season.
Bruce is likely to join up with the squad if an agreement can be reached.
He took charge of Sheffield Wednesday’s pre-season friendly with Lincoln on Saturday.
Newcastle are still trying to strike a deal with Wednesday, who want a significant compensation fee thought to be around £5million, and the situation turned ugly as Bruce oversaw the Owls’ 3-1 victory.
A supporter ran up to Bruce’s face during the game and shouted at him, however the fan was booed by the away end, who chanted ‘Steve Bruce’s Barmy Army’.