Steve Bruce has revealed why he decided to sell Florian Lejeune this summer after being asked by a supporter on a radio phone-in.
The French centre-back was sold to Alaves after a successful loan stint last term.
Bruce was a guest on BBC Radio Newcastle and faced a host of questions from supporters after agreeing to respond to queries from the fanbase.
When asked about Lejeune and the decision to sell the popular defender, Bruce said: "We had six centre-backs.
"The big thing with Florian was he had two knee injuries.
"He needed to get games under his belt.
"And I felt that the intensity in the Premier League meant he was better suited to La Liga."
Bruce was also asked by a fan about Sean Longstaff's form during his time in charge.
He said: "I knew about Sean before I came here.
"There was a contract offered to him but those talks have not been revisited.
"We hope he can go out and show us what he's got."
Both Sean Longstaff and Matty Longstaff will see their contracts expire at the end of the season and could walk away for a nominal compensation fee unless new deals are agreed.
