Bruce keen to secure new deal for Clark
Ciaran Clark is the next in line for a new deal at Newcastle United.
The defender has impressed this season since returning from the injury he suffered against Arsenal in February.
And Steve Bruce is keen to secure Clark, signed in the summer of 2016 from Aston Villa following Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship, on a new contract with his deal set to expire at the end of the campaign.
“I know discussions are ongoing with his agent, and I hope in January we can tie Ciaran up, because I would like to keep him at the club,” said United’s head coach.
"I think he deserves that. He's played very, very well for me.”
Bruce was asked about Clark’ s contribution this season after Wednesday night’s goalless draw against Premier League champions Liverpool.
Clark, a Republic of Ireland international, played in Sunday’s home game against Leicester City.
“He's not an unsung hero for me, because Ciaran’s a really, really good player who gives you a nice balance with his left foot, and is fiercely competitive,” said Bruce.
“I remember the tackle he went into when he knew he was going to get hurt at Arsenal, but he went in for the sake of the team.
"He' s a very, very good player.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Sean Longstaff, 23, is also in talks with Newcastle over a new deal at St James’s Park.
A number of other players, including Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie and Matty Longstaff, signed new contracts at United last year.