‘Full of character’ - Steve Bruce names ‘powerful’ player he wanted to manage at Newcastle United

Steve Bruce has rued the fact he never managed Aleksandar Mitrovic at Newcastle United.

The Magpies stumped up £13million to sign Mitrovic - then a relative novice - in 2015. He arrived as a 20-year-old from Anderlecht with a fiery reputation but a knack for scoring goals.

An impressive 28 strikes across all competitions inspired Newcastle to trust Mitrovic with leading the club’s proposed rebuild under Steve McClaren. With a new manager at the helm and £80million worth of incomings, the Magpies were aiming to kick on after almost being relegated the previous season.

However, McClaren would prove a disaster, with Mike Ashley pulling the trigger the following March. Mitrovic - sent off in his full debut against Arsenal - bagged a respectable nine goals but could not help Newcastle beat the drop.

A strained relationship with Rafa Benitez saw the Serb have a reserved role during the Championship-winning campaign before moving to Fulham in 2017. An initial loan move became permanent and the now 29-year-old has become a respected top-level striker.

He netted 40 goals for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last season and is now on international duty with Serbia at Euro 2024. Speaking to talkSPORT, former Newcastle boss Bruce, who arrived 12 months too late, has admitted he wishes Mitrovic was on the books during his two-and-a-half-year spell on Tyneside.

“He’s a big powerful boy Mitrovic,” he said. “It hasn't been his tournament just yet, has it? He’s missed a couple of chances. No, unfortunately he was gone (whether he managed Mitrovic at Newcastle). 

“I’ve always admired him and I’d have love to. You’d like to have him in your dressing room, he looks full of character. I’m sure he mustn’t be easy to manage every now and again. But he is certainly a big, big talent.”