The Magpies have only made a single signing so far in the transfer window, having permanently snapped up Joe Willock from Arsenal for a fee in the £26m range.
With the window set to slam shut on Tuesday, Newcastle only have less than five days to ship off fringe players and potentially further bolster their squad.
Bruce admitted that Newcastle have been very quiet in term of their transfer business and stressed other clubs have been reluctant to let go of their best players, while his team have struggled to get into a position in which they can do business.
When asked about his team’s transfer business in the remaining days of the window, Bruce told a press conference: “We needed to be in a position to trade, and it’s been very quiet in that respect – and nobody wants to sell their better players, either.”
Bruce added that a loan signing could be on the cards, but admitted Newcastle have been struggling to shift fringe players out.
“The idea of maybe a loan signing might be on the horizon, but it’s been very quiet, in terms of players out, from our end.”
Bruce explained that in addition to making space in his squad, he has had to work with a limited transfer kitty this summer which has made it more difficult in the transfer window.
“The problem is the size of the squad and making room for that [a signing].
“The other thing is the finances, which is the key to all of it.
“I’ve been brutally honest and told the supporters from the start it’s been a difficult time, in that respect.”
