Steve Bruce ‘wants to replace World Cup winner as manager of international giants’ after more than a year unemployed

STEVE BRUCE is reportedly eyeing a return to the dugout as manager of South Korea.

Bruce, 63, has been out of work for over a year after being sacked by West Brom last season.

The three-time Premier League and FA Cup winner with Manchester United has been linked with the Republic of Ireland job.

And he was even tipped for retirement after his West Brom spell ended after just 13 Championship matches.

However, the claims Bruce is eager to return to the beautiful game.

He is now being eyed by teams from the Saudi Pro League.

But Bruce’s preferred choice is the vacancy with South Korea’s national side.

Captained by Tottenham superstar Son Heung-Min, they sacked World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann after crashing out of the Asian Cup in the semis to Jordan.

Bruce would like to work overseas after spending his entire playing and managerial career in England.

But he could yet end up joining Steven Gerrard in Saudi as he prepares to receive offers.

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A source said: “Steve is aware of the interest from South Korea and it’s a position that definitely appeals to him.

“He is high on the list of a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia as well so he is assessing his options and will be having conversations over the coming weeks.

“Steve is keen to get back into management and sees managing overseas as a good next step in his career.”

As a player, Bruce featured for Gillingham, Norwich, Man United, Birmingham and Sheffield United — clocking up a whopping 929 appearances in total.

His managerial career saw him start at Sheffield United before enjoying spells at Huddersfield, Wigan, Crystal Palace and Birmingham.

Bruce then went on to Wigan, Sunderland, Hull, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday.

And his last two spells in management came at Newcastle and West Brom, with the latter ending in October 2022.