This 'one thing' has given Newcastle United the edge in the transfer market

That’s the view of Steve Bruce after the club signed Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis.

Wilson signed in a £20million deal from Bournemouth, while Ryan Fraser joined as a free agent after leaving the Vitality Stadium this summer. Lewis was signed for £15million from Norwich City.

The club beat off competition for the trio – Aston Villa had a bid for Wilson accepted, but the striker was sold on a move to St James’s Park – and Bruce believes that their keenness to sign for United underlined one thing.

"Let's not underestimate one thing – the power of this club,” said head coach Bruce. "We’ve had competition for all of them – and beaten off genuine competition.

"The biggest thing, especially with Ryan and Callum, was they wanted to play for Newcastle. So let's not underestimate what we have. We’re quite unique. They walk into the stadium look round and go 'wow'. The quicker the supporters get back to give them what they have really come for, the better. That's why they are here.

"I'd like to thank my employers who flexed their muscle. It was quite refreshing to see. We weren't going to beaten to get the two of them – it was great."

The club had previously signed free agents Jeff Hendrick and Mark Gillespie.

Bruce said: "The three have come through the door, and we have Jeff too. I’m delighted to do the business we’ve done. Jamal’s young, but all of them have got Premier League experience.”