Newcastle United have endured a number of transfer blunders over the years, with one notable example having been the failure to land prolific Frenchman, Olivier Giroud, during Steve Bruce's time at the helm.

The former Arsenal man has been a constant nuisance for the Magpies over the years, particularly for former captain Fabricio Coloccini who felt his wrath in 2014, with the French forward scoring nine goals and laying on two assists in just 14 games against the northeast side in his career thus far, with it having been no surprise to see the club finally look to end that run by bringing him to St James' Park.

Reports back in January 2020 suggested that the Tynesiders were looking to secure a loan move for the then-Chelsea striker, with the 6 foot 4 menace having fallen down the pecking order under Frank Lampard.

As it proved, however, the one-time Montpellier man ultimately rejected the chance to make the switch to Newcastle, with there no doubt a sense of frustration that both Bruce - and former owner Mike Ashley - were unable to tempt the striker into the switch.

Although the 114-cap genius was already well into his 30s at the time, he has proven since then that he is no fading force, with the Premier League side left to rue their inability to land the "dangerous" asset - as dubbed by Senegal defender, Kalidou Koulibaly.

The veteran ace would go on to finish his spell at Stamford Bridge last summer with a respectable tally of 39 goals and 14 assists in 119 games in all competitions, having previously scored 105 goals and contributed 41 assists in 253 games with the Gunners.

A proven asset in English football, the World Cup winner has since gone on to thrive for Italian side AC Milan over the past year or so, with 24 goal contributions in just 48 games to date, at a rate of one goal or assist every two games.

At 36, the £75k-per-week menace remains a hugely integral figure for both club and country, having only recently netted his 49th goal for France against Austria, ensuring he is now only behind the great Thierry Henry (51) on Les Bleus' all-time scorer's list.

A truly clinical presence in front of goal - as his record of 240 club career goals illustrates - Giroud is also a joy to watch as a result of his majestic quality, routinely producing something spectacular in an almost effortless manner.

That unique talent was on show earlier this season, as he netted an acrobatic volley in the Serie A side's triumph over Bologna, proving that he can still make the difference - and in style - despite his advancing years.

While current Newcastle boss Eddie Howe now has Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson at his disposal in the forward ranks, he may well have loved to have had a pure poacher such as the Milan ace to call upon, had his predecessor been able to get a deal over the line.