Sources: Bruce to blow entire Newcastle transfer budget on one star amid Saint-Maximin sale update
Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is likely to blow his entire summer transfer budget on one star signing, Football Insider understands.
As revealed by this site on Tuesday, the 60-year-old has been informed by club chiefs that a transfer kitty of just £8-£10million will be made available in the new window.
A Newcastle source has told Football Insider Bruce may be forced to raise his own transfer funds by selling top stars, with the most likely to be Allan Saint-Maximin.
The mercurial winger, 24, is one of the Magpies' most valuable assets and is under contract until 2026.
However, Bruce knows his sale could significantly boost his budget heading into the summer window.
With transfer funds severely limited, the Newcastle boss will focus on luring just one top-quality player to Tyneside.
He will then shop around in the loan and free agent market to strengthen his squad.
Newcastle struck gold in January with the temporary capture of Joe Willock from Arsenal.
The 21-year-old scored eight goals in 14 appearances to play a crucial role in the Magpies' successful survival push.
Bruce has already spoken about testing "Arsenal's resolve" with a permanent bid for the midfielder.
However, that would appear an impossibility unless the Geordie boss can raise his own funds through player sales.
Saint-Maximin is one of the few Newcastle stars whose exit could immediately raise the required capital to sign Willock.
Newcastle reportedly paid an initial £16.5million for the French winger in 2019, rising to a possible £20million in add-ons.
His return to fitness inspired Newcastle as they lost just twice in their final nine games.