Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce on Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United targets

Murphy spent last season on loan at Hillsborough, with Owls boss Garry Monk having spoken about his desire to bring the winger back to the club.

Other Championship sides are interested, with Middlesbrough among those also linked with the player.

Barlaser impressed in his time with the Millers, who are awaiting developments in their long-standing pursuit of the 23-year-old midfielder, who has a year left on his Magpies deal with his long-term future uncertain.

The pair have played a full part in pre-season on Tyneside, but they may not make Bruce’s 25-man Premier League squad, which must be named once the transfer window closes.

Bruce said: "We have to make big decisions on the two young ones – Jacob Murphy and Dan Barlaser. They’ve both done OK.

"I have to make a decision. Are they going to get game-time? And if they aren't, then we’ll have to let them out again. They’ve done very well."

"There comes a time – in a month – when I have to pick 22 (outfield) players, and, at the minute, we have something like 28. Unfortunately, there’ll be people who won't make it. That's what we've got."

Specifically on Barlaser, Bruce commented: "He's got to an age where he's 23. He's not 19 anymore, so does he stay with us and have a career?

"Or does he have to move on and find a career? Those are the conversations I have to have in the next three weeks."