But, for whatever reason, Bruce turned down the offer.
However, life at St Andrews has not always been kind to Newcastle-born Bruce, but last month was one of his better moments, and as reward he has been awarded Coca-Cola Managers of the Month for December in the Championship.
Birmingham City continued their impressive recent form in December, winning five of their six league games, and perhaps Newcastle face them at the wrong time. Bruce's side began the month with victory over Plymouth Argyle, followed wins against Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday, Southend United and Queens Park Rangers.
Bruce:"We have done terrifically well over the last three months and have put a run together to get where we are but the hard part is trying to stay there.
"You win awards through the effort of the players and they have been terrific. They have come to the fore and produced an unbelievable set of results and all credit to them."