Steve Bruce is looking to bolster his attack this month but Mike Ashley could stand in the way of his pursuit of Moussa Dembele, according to Alan Nixon.

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The Daily Star reported a few days ago that Newcastle had emerged as suitors for the Frenchman, who is rated at £36m by Transfermarkt.

With that under consideration, as well as the fact that his contract doesn't expire until 2023, the striker would likely demand a large fee, and Nixon suggests his price could be way above what Mike Ashley is willing to spend.

The journalist added that he believes Bruce would like to spend big on another attacker, but after doing so with Joelinton and seeing a return of two goals in 24 games, Ashley may be apprehensive.

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Holding back Bruce

Steve Bruce has done well to guide Newcastle to 13th place in the Premier League, particularly as his squad has been ravaged by injury in recent weeks, and that means it is time for Ashely to provide him with funds.

Key players such as Jonjo Shelvey, Allan Saint-Maximin and Fabian Schar are all currently sidelined, and though Joelinton scored in his last outing, there are still problems up-front.

The owner may expect Bruce to resolve the problem of the lack of goals from the Magpies' strikers - with three goals between four players - but in truth it is an issue that is not all of his own making, and he needs the opportunity to bring in his own personnel.

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The Brazilian may have been signed after Bruce's arrival but Ashley's own admission indicates he was a target of the club under Rafa Benitez, and has subsequently been burdened on the current boss.

As a result, the Newcastle manager only identified one big-money signing in the summer - Saint-Maximin - who has proved a tremendous success with 4.5 successful dribbles per game.

Ashley would, therefore, be wise to trust his manager once more by allowing him to sign Dembele. After all, the 23-year-old has scored 14 goals in 22 games in domestic competition this term, and due to his age there is potential to profit if he proves himself in the Premier League.

In other news, Steve Bruce is looking to bolster his squad with another interesting player that may raise a few eyebrows amongst fans.