Steve Bruce drops Newcastle United transfer bombshell - and makes Dan Ashworth to Man Utd claim

Steve Bruce has claimed he tried to sign Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise as Newcastle United manager.

Both players starred towards the back end of the season to inspire, alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta, the Eagles’ turnaround. A club flirting with relegation under Roy Hodgson transformed following Oliver Glasner’s appointment.

Palace won six of their last seven games - drawing the other - to fuel positivity about next season. That is providing they can keep star players like Eze and Olise at Selhurst Park.

The latter has been linked with a £60million move to Newcastle as a potential marquee arrival for Eddie Howe’s summer rebuild. A lack of quality on the right flank has made the position a top priority in the transfer market.

Speaking to Betway, ex-Toon boss Bruce insisted neither talent wanted to join Newcastle due to the club’s location. He also backed former club Manchester United to improve their transfer record under incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth.

“Ironically, I tried to take the two of them to Newcastle and they both decided that they wanted to stay in London,” Bruce said. “Every day the back pages are full of who they’re (Man United) going to sign. 

“I hope they get that department right. I think the moves that they’re making upstairs can only help. Certainly, with the likes of Dan Ashworth (as sporting director), they will. 

“When you say young, English, good players in the Premier League, they’re the ones that Man United thrived on, that they’ve always done well with. 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re going to try and buy from the Premier League, because at least then you know what you’re going to get.”