Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie is reporting that our move for Barcelona defender Marlon Santos is off due to work permit issues.
A deal to sign the centre-back on loan was believed to be in place, with a fee having been agreed, but with transfer deadline closing in, we have run out of time to complete the deal.
Fans on Twitter were unsurprised by the news:
Joke club fans need to wake up we are getting mugged off.
— ToonArmy (@CaptainJLasc) 9 August 2018
So 4th choice on the target list?
— Craig Routledge (@craigyrout) 9 August 2018
We saw how long it took Muto to get a work permit so why did they think they could get this done quicker??
— jonny ward (@wardy22589) 9 August 2018
what a shame for Kenedy i bet he’s gutted that his old Fluminense mate isn’t coming now
— ASHLEY OUT ???? (@Ashley__OUT) 9 August 2018
We've not spent a great deal of cash, but the squad is clearly better.
— Dan Sherliker (@dannysherls11) 9 August 2018
Supporters believe the failure to sign Marlon is symptomatic of the club’s poor dealings in the transfer market:
Still no left back or number 10 even need another striker , Charnley has failed again as has Ashley , Rafa will leave end of the season as the club have shown no ambition to improve its squad and facilities #NUFC
— Chris Cheetham (@cheetz88) 9 August 2018
Ashley won’t replace a vital yes man in his operation to survive and spend as little as possible while maximising his profits and other revenues
— Chris Cheetham (@cheetz88) 9 August 2018
It seems as though Federico Fernandez will be signed instead of the Brazilian. The Sun report that we have agreed a £6m fee for the 29-year-old with the centre-back being signed as cover for Florian Lejeune.
Let’s hope he proves to be a good addition. He’s unlikely to have been Rafa’s first choice but the manager is a fan of the player after having previously worked with the Argentine at Napoli.