Steve Bruce has revealed what was said behind the scenes during Mike Ashley's visit to Newcastle's training ground.
The Toon owner has pledged to hand Bruce spending money in the January window.
But Bruce has insisted he won't waste it if it boils down to spending for the sake of it.
Bruce said: "It went very well. We showed what we are trying to do, and he was fully supportive.
"We have plates spinning and hope to add to the squad by the end of the month.
"We have said that the targets have to improve us. He has been fully supportive of the remit.
"He agrees we buy quality not quantity. That has to be the mantra."
When asked if there was money to spend, Bruce said: "There's funds available if we need it.
"But that has always been the case. He was interested in who we are looking at and what positions.
"He took a genuine interest. We have had one or two in mind and we will see if we can pull them off.
"When you are going for big players there is competition.
"We are trying as hard as we can."
Bruce also defended the meeting and insisted that it was not a case of bad organisation after the owner arrived on the scene halfway through the window.
Bruce said: "Our plans have been in place since September or October.
"It wasn't the case of planning half way through January.
"I speak to Lee Charnley and Steve Nickson every day."
