STEVE BRUCE is ready to fight his Toon bosses as he bids to bring Ahmed Elmohamady to Newcastle.
Bruce wants the experienced Egyptian, 31, who was with him at Aston Villa and Hull — but his transfer team prefer to sign a younger option.
The Toon upped their £4.5million offer for Swedish right-back Emil Krafth, 24.
His French club, Amiens, want more but that may be revisited.
Bruce has had problems with the way his scouting team look for younger talent, as he eyes up more mature players like Elmohamady and James McCarthy.
Toon are also looking at Bournemouth forward Jordon Ibe, 23, who could be available this week.
Signing up Elmohamady would represent the boss’ continued love affair with the full-back.
He first played under Bruce in a trial at Sunderland ten years ago but he was forced to wait until July 2010 to arrive from Egyptian club ENPPI.
Both of Elmohamady’s transfers across English football involved the former centre-back, first to Hull in 2012 and then Villa five years later.
The Midlands club may not have to go back into a transfer market they have already plundered over £100m into if the player leaves.
January signing Frederic Guilbert is in the squad after finishing last season on loan at Caen.
And the Frenchman, 24, may have already jumped Elmohamady in Dean Smith’s thoughts after a few decent displays in pre-season.
