Aston Villa have joined Newcastle in the fight to sign Tom Cairney from Fulham.
According to a report in The Express Steve Bruce has switched his attention to the 25-year-old after getting little encouragement from a series of approaches to take Premier League midfielders on loan.
Bruce worked with Cairney at Hull City and believes that his assertive midfield play can force Villa into the promotion places.
With five goals from 25 Championship appearances this season Fulham have slapped a £10m price tag on Cairney.
Rafa Benitez has had similar frustrations trying to bring in Premier League players on loan and is keen on Cairney who has made over 200 league appearances including a stint in the Premier League with Hull.
Fulham have their own hopes of reaching the play-off places but would be unable to resist a £10m offer for a player that they spent £3m on from Blackburn Rovers in June 2015.