A NEWCASTLE insider has claimed that Steven Gerrard will be in the frame to replace Steve Bruce. 

The Rangers boss has been heavily linked with the Geordie club side their Saudi takeover was complete last week.

Former Celtic and Magpies defender Gary Caldwell insists the Gers manager will be firmly in the frame for the soon-to-be vacant position.

Bruce will take charge of his 1000th Premier League game against Tottenham on Sunday, and is widely expected to be removed from his role afterwards.

Gerrard was asked about speculation linking him with the job before Rangers' game with Hearts.

Gerro said: "I've certainly got one eye on Newcastle, in terms of watching Brucey get his 1000th game. He's a great character of the game, someone who I've got a personal relationship with, and have the utmost respect for.

"I've really looking forward to seeing him get his 1000th game. I think it's a mammoth achievement.

"I think it's interesting what is happening at Newcastle, I think if anyone deserves a break it's the Geordie fans, so I'm sure excitement levels are very high on the Toon.

"I'm sure everyone involved with the game is looking on with interest to see how it develops."

And Caldwell - who was interim Newcastle U23s boss recently - reckons Gerrard has left the door open to a switch.

He told Clyde 1 Superscoreboard: "I think it's a fantastic club, first and foremost, (it's) where I started my career and I went back recently, and it's still a great club.

"There was a lot of negativity because of the previous owner. Steve Bruce took at lot of flack in the first-team games I went to see, and really unfairly in my opinion.

"For a manager to get 1000 games in the modern day is an unbelievable achievement, but I agree that he will get sacked. It's going to happen at some point.

"When it does, Steven Gerrard will be in the frame. I thought his comments were interesting.

"He didn't point blank deny, or refuse to be involved in that conversation. He had the chance to, he could have said 'no way, I'm at Rangers ' and he did leave it a little bit open for me.

"I think the whole club from top to bottom needs this takeover and needs this shake-up."