Details of Mike Ashley's Newcastle United transfer summit with Steve Bruce revealed

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Owner Mike Ashley watches on during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Newcastle United and Rochdale at St. James Park on January 14, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Bruce is keen to add at least one new face to his United ranks this month, ideally three – but progress on the transfer front has been slow.

And having travelled up for last night’s FA Cup clash - his first appearance at St James’s Park for almost 12 months – Ashley met with Bruce in a Tyneside hotel today, according to a report in the Mirror.

Meeting Ashley for just the third time since his summer appointment, Bruce is understood to have asked for the backing to go out and sign ‘one or two game-changing players’.

The report also claims United’s search for players is taking them to continent, as they do not see what they need in the Premier League or Championship. This stand-point with rule out any move for Hull’s £20million-rated Jarrod Bowen this month.

Speaking about transfers following United's 4-1 win over Rochdale, in which the club’s two biggest buys in history – Miguel Almiron and Joelinton – both scored, Bruce said: “I will only add to improve us. If I can’t improve it, I’ve got to be patient and wait. That is the conversation.

“It’s just the same as what I’ve said to you all along. He’s been supportive since I walked in the door.

“I think there’s been three deals so far in the Premier League so it’s difficult.

“The ones we’re trying to go after are better. If we can get them, we’ll try it.”