Newcastle United have been left frustrated after talks with Gelson Martins over a potential loan move broke down, leaving the door open for Ligue 1 side AS Monaco to swoop in to sign the Atletico Madrid winger.
The Magpies were willing to pay a fee believed to be in the region of £4.5m to ensure that they could secure a short-term deal for the winger to help achieve their goal of Premier League survival.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has been unable to sign anyone so far in the January transfer window with owner Mike Ashley unwilling to give him significant funds to spend amidst rumours of a possible takeover - though it does appear that Lazio left back Jordan Lukaku will sign on a loan deal imminently.