Gelson Martins was reportedly not keen on loan move to Magpies, plumping for French club Monaco instead.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has been at pains to sign some players this season, especially in the final third of the pitch where the Magpies have struggled for creativity.
The Spaniard was reportedly keen on signing Atlanta United hotshot Miguel Almiron, but disagreement over the transfer fee with the MLS club has supposedly cooled that deal for now, meaning Gelson Martins appeared to be an ideal stop gap.
The Portuguese international has been surplus to requirements at Atletico Madrid since joining last July, lining out for the Spanish side on a dozen occasions this term, making a short-term loan deal to the Tyneside outfit possible, according to Sky Sports on Wednesday
That situation changed by Thursday morning however, with The Chronicle reporting that Martins is likely to join AS Monaco instead, claiming the winger was “lukewarm” on ever joining Newcastle in the first place.
Benitez has been left frustrated by the club’s lack of transfer business this month, with United yet make any signings.
