Newcastle United failed with a late window move to sign Moussa Sissako, after the Paris Saint-Germain product rejected the Toon’s offer, according to RMC Sport journalist Loic Tanzi.
The former Goal and Eurosport reporter had suggested a deal to sign the 6ft defender was close, after Les Parisiens made it clear he had no future at the Parc des Princes under Thomas Tuchel.
Talks with the centre-back and his representatives rolling on allowed Brighton and Hove Albion to enter the frame with a similar four-year contract put forward, but Tanzi understands Sissako decided to walk away from both negotiating tables as neither side could reach a definitive agreement.
A summer move away from Paris remains on the cards for Sissako, though, as the transfer market remains open in France, Italy, Spain and Germany until September 2, despite the English window slamming shut to Premier League and Championship sides on Thursday.
United chiefs had also been in talks with fellow Paris Saint-Germain product Stanley Nsoki heading toward Deadline Day, but failed with their advances in discussions with the left-back.
We had agreed an €11million (£10.1m) deal with the Ligue 1 giant for Nsoki, but our contract proposal left him disillusioned with the prospect of a move to St James’ Park, as he felt the wage tabled did not represent the role in Steve Bruce’s plans he would have occupied.
While the French defenders rejected moves to Tyneside, Newcastle evidently rejected the chance to sign Charlie Austin when Southampton put forward his services, as the striker completed a Deadline Day move to the Championship with West Bromwich Albion.
The Baggies reportedly paid £4million to acquire the Saints outcast, who put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the side who had hoped to land Dwight Gayle.