Former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Brom boss set for 'stunning' managerial return

Steve Bruce is reportedly aiming for a stunning managerial comeback, with a first-ever venture abroad being targeted by the former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion boss.

The 63-year-old has been out of a job since leaving West Brom in October 2022. It was a disastrous spell at The Hawthorns as Bruce took Albion from sixth in the Sky Bet Championship to 22nd within the space of just eight months. He was replaced by Carlos Corberan, who proved the squad was more than capable of competing for the play-off positions.

Bruce has taken a 14-month break from football after his West Brom failure but is now ready to make his comeback, reports Mirror Football. It's claimed the ex-Manchester United, Norwich City and Gillingham defender has been targeted for the South Korea role after Jurgen Klinsmann was sacked.

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That option, opened up by South Korea failing to win the recent AFC Asian Cup, is proving to be appealing for Bruce. Other avenues are said to being explored, however, including the Saudi Arabia Pro League where the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar are currently playing.

“Steve is aware of the interest from South Korea and it’s a position that definitely appeals to him," a source close to Bruce told Mirror Football. "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," the source said.

It's unclear whether Bruce has been approached by any English clubs recently but he appears to be more interested in moving abroad. Once a double promotion hero with Birmingham and a play-off qualifier with Villa, the manager will be hoping to replicate his earlier West Midlands success away from England.