Steve Bruce reveals why Mike Ashley paid him a visit at Newcastle United

Ashley, the club’s owner, watched Tuesday night’s 4-1 FA Cup win over Rochdale.

Bruce – who hopes to strengthen his squad in this month’s transfer window – had talks with Ashley during his short stay on Tyneside.

“Plans have been in place (for the transfer window) since last September,” said Bruce, United’s head coach. “We’ve been planning what we’re doing (for months). He came to the game to have a look at what we’re doing. It’s not like we’ve not been doing our jobs with him coming in January.”

Bruce added: “The meeting went very well. We reiterated what I’ve said. We showed what we’re trying to do, and he was fully supportive of it. We have one or two plates spinning, and we hope to add to the squad.”