5. Dimitri Payet
During the summer of 2014, it was reported by the Chronicle that ‘long-term’ NUFC target Dimitri Payet had been made available by Marseille for a fee in the region of £10m.
Carr was understood to have been an admirer of Payet’s for years, following him previously during his time at St. Ettiene and Lille, and urged Newcastle to make a move for the Frenchman. As it turns out, Newcastle opted instead for the £12m signing of Remy Cabella, with Ashley and co reluctant to buy the ‘ageing’ Payet – who at the time was the ripe old age of 27..