In 2008, Newcastle United overlooked signing arguably the greatest midfielder of his generation. An integral component of the side that stunned England at Wembley one year previously, Luka Modric - then just 22-years-old - starred as the Three Lions had to cancel their flights to the European Championships.
Toon supporters were robbed of the opportunity to witness midfield greatness in a black-and-white shirt. What is more reflective of the Mike Ashley era is how Steve McClaren - the biggest loser at Wembley that day as he stood clutching a rain-soaked brolly - turned up at St James’ Park several years later instead.
Almost 15 years, five Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles, one Ballon d’Or and a World Cup runners-up medal later, Modric is still dominating on the world stage.
