Steve Bruce gives transfer update after setbacks

The club, which is primarily looking at the loan market, lost out on Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, who is set to join Inter Milan.

Speaking after last night's 4-1 FA Cup win over Rochdale, head coach Bruce said: “We’ve had one or two who it wasn’t possible to get. We’re still trying for one or two. We’ve got a couple of plates spinning round.”

Bruce is set to met owner Mike Ashley – who was at St James’s Park for the cup tie – for transfer talks.

“He’s been supportive since I’ve walked through the door,” said Bruce. “If there’s somebody there who can improve us we’ll try and act. In the Premier League at the minute, there have been three deals done. That’s how difficult it is. People don’t want to sell their best players.”