Alan Pardew has admitted that he tried to sign Liverpool playmaker Adam Lallana when he was in charge of Newcastle but was informed by the chief scout that he wasn't 'good enough.'
Pardew, now in charge of Crystal Palace, said he knew of Lallana's quality having worked with him at Southampton but was rebuffed by scout Graham Carr.
The Eagles boss, who has been strongly critical of the Magpies' transfer policy since leaving the club in 2014, said prior to his side's 4-2 loss to Liverpool:Lallana is a key player for (Liverpool).
"I had him at Southampton and he is a terrific athlete. He is player who has great ability.
Once he got introduced in the game against Manchester United, I think you could see the difference in their pressing. I think he's key to that.
He was a player who I was desperate to bring to Newcastle but the Chief Scout there at the time told me he wasn't good enough.�
Premier League Goals 2016/2017
Coutinho - 4
Firmino - 4
Mané - 4
Milner - 4
Lallana - 3 pic.twitter.com/3J1y4dLuZ1
Lallana, who has impressed for both the Reds and England this season, previously credited Pardew with playing a pivotal role in his development as a player during Southampton's time in League One.
My first season in League One under Alan Pardew was a big year for me.It was a good thing for me to have two seasons in League One and grow," the 28-year-old said back in December.
Lallana has scored three times for Liverpool this season.