Newcastle set to sign Jeff Hendrick with club set to spend next to nothing this summer

Newcastle are set to complete the free transfer signing of former Burnley midfielder Jeff Hendrick - and spending will be kept to a minimum at the club this summer.

Sportsmail has spoken to several agents who say the Magpies are primarily in the market for loan signings, preferably with a percentage contribution to salary rather than covering the full wage.

And Steve Bruce could find it difficult when it comes to targeting the likes of Manchester United defender Chris Smalling and Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.

Sources have indicated that the manager's wish-list may not tally with what the club's hierarchy have in mind.

Bruce has a good relationship with managing director Lee Charnley but that could be put to the test in the coming weeks as the extent of Newcastle's ambition in the transfer market is determined.

They will not be alone in curtailing their investment in new players, but the collapse of the Saudi-led takeover and Mike Ashley's determination to sell the club means there is little appetite for lavish expense, such as the £40million spent on Joelinton last summer. Some scouts even remain on furlough.

However, signing a goalscorer is Bruce's priority after Joelinton found the net just twice in his debut season and Wilson is a target.

The addition of Hendrick, though, adds Premier League experience at minimal cost after the 28-year-old's contract expired at Turf Moor.

The Republic of Ireland international will finalise his move this week before joining up with his new team-mates at their York training camp.

Meanwhile, we understand Newcastle are set to play pre-season friendlies against Barnsley and Middlesbrough before the Premier League campaign kicks off on September 12.