This is what Mike Ashley was REALLY interested in at Newcastle United transfer summit

Bruce met Ashley, the club’s owner, for a transfer meeting last week.

United’s head coach, keen to strengthen his attacking options in this month’s transfer window, made a “pitch” to Ashley, who watched the club’s 4-1 FA Cup win over Rochdale.

Bruce, speaking after the weekend’s 1-0 Premier League win over Chelsea, said it could take “five or six” windows to get the players he feels he needs to change to a more attacking style of football.

“It’s about trying to add that bit of quality,” said Bruce, who is interested in Inter Milan winger Valentino Lazaro. “He was interested in why we were interested in this one, this one and this one when we presented it. It can only be a good thing.

“What you hope is that you can take on Chelsea in a few years time like you want to. At the moment, we have to find a way to get a result against Chelsea – we can’t just open up. We have to be hard working and resolute.”

Bruce praised the players he inherited after the Chelsea game.

“Since I walked through the door, I realised what a great group they are,” said United’s head coach. “The majority of them have been here since the Championship, your Isaacs, Jonjos, Lascelles, Matt Ricthies.

“In that respect there’s a heartbeat with them. The way they go about their work, they’re a very good bunch.”