“We tried to chase the two of them, you know. They were never going to leave London, though, you know, and Newcastle wasn’t the Newcastle they are today, of course.

“Two really exceptional footballers, Eze, in particular. He has got this natural ability which just comes when you watch him, he has got that ability to go past people which seems to be a bit of a dying art at the moment. He has got that in abundance. Really looks a wonderful footballer at the moment.”

You can add Eze to the long list of players Steve Bruce tried to sign for Newcastle. The Jarrod Bowen story is well documented, while the former Toon boss has often spoke about missing out on Moises Caicedo.

Now he has discussed trying and failing to sign Eze for the Magpies, seemingly alluding to when the midfielder was attracting Premier League interest when he was a QPR player. Newcastle were linked, but it was Crystal Palace who got a deal done.

Bruce has blamed geography for Newcastle’s shortcomings, as well as the fact that the club was not as appealing as it is now. In truth, money was probably the main issue, with Mike Ashley reluctant to spend the cash required to allow Newcastle to progress.

Eze would be an amazing signing for Newcastle now

But finances are less of a problem now, while top level players want to come and ply their trade on Tyneside. It would be interesting to see if Eze was keen should an opportunity come his way.

He certainly would be a great signing for Eddie Howe’s side, and proved as much on Monday night when he dazzled St James’ Park and possibly played his way into Southgate’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024.

Eze is an immense talent that would be adored on Tyneside, but he will not come cheap, with Crystal Palace valuing him at £60million. That makes Bruce’s claim all the more painful, as he would have cost a third of that amount four years ago.