During the 1980s and early 1990s, Rob Lee proved himself to be Charlton Athletic's prized asset.
However, a combination of the club's relegation to the Second Division and their desire to return to The Valley meant that Charlton required hard funds.
As a result, when Newcastle United submitted a £700,000 bid for Lee's services on this day 21 years ago, the Addicks decided that the time was right to cash in on their star player.
Lee, who had played in an advanced attacking role with Charlton, instantly adorned himself to the Newcastle faithful by signing on at St James' Park, despite having received an offer from rivals Middlesbrough, who unlike the Magpies plied their trade in the top flight.
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The then 26-year-old became even more of a hero on Tyneside during his debut campaign in a black and white shirt as he played a key role, having dropped back into midfield, as Kevin Keegan's side gained promotion to the Premier League in 1993.
It was in the first tier where Lee's form captured the attention of both Terry Venables and Glenn Hoddle, who selected the London-born player in a total of 21 England squads between 1994 and 1998.
His stint with Newcastle would last 10 years, during which time he played in two FA Cup finals and a handful of Champions League campaigns.
He left for Derby County having amassed 267 Premier League appearances, scoring 34 goals in the process.
Liam Apicella
