Steve Bruce has claimed he almost brought Crystal Palace pair Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise to Newcastle United during his two years as head coach.

Palace signed Eze from Queens Park Rangers in August 2020 before adding to Olise to their ranks 12 months later from Reading. The duo reportedly cost a combined PS28million but are now rated at PS120m, so the Eagles stand to make a substantial profit should they cash in on either or both players this summer.

Newcastle admire both Eze and Olise, with recent reports linking Eddie Howe's side with a move for the latter. But there isn't a top Premier League club that haven't been linked with the pair, who have been instrumental in Palace's recent rise under new manager Oliver Glasner.

"Ironically, I nearly took the two of them to Newcastle and they both decided that they wanted to stay in London," said Bruce.

"Every day the back pages are full of who they're 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, they will.

"When you say young, English, good players in the Premier League, they're the ones that Man Utd 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."

Meanwhile, Newcastle have already began planning for this summer's transfer window but their budget will be dictated by Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Bruce said: "I don't think they'll want to sell one of the better players, however, to generate the sort of money you just don't know. Who does know? That's the way the rumours have it. Both players are excellent and a huge part of what they're looking to do. You want to hold on to your best players.

"Well, it shows you how difficult it is now with financial fair play. Arguably, they say they're the richest club in the world and can't spend it otherwise. You've got to stick to the rules and you know what happens if you don't. We've seen that this year, so they might have to sell."