The Blues boss told Sky Sports News that he has made an enquiry about the 25-year-old defender, who is out of contract at St James Park in the summer and has turned down a new contract. "Olivier Bernard is a player we've made an enquiry about," Bruce told Sky. "Talks will still be ongoing and if we can do something regarding signing Bernard, then we will try and do it."
The Blues boss has also rubbished rumours linking him with Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer.
"Smicer is a non-starter. I don't know where that story has come from," the Blues boss added.