Newcastle United look set to miss out on winger Gelson Martins.
According to The Chronicle, Atletico Madrid winger Gelson Martins was ‘lukewarm’ when he spoke to Newcastle United about a loan move to the club.
The Magpies are still waiting for a first January signing, even with Rafael Benitez clearly needing reinforcements to ensure the club stay in the Premier League.
Adding real quality out wide would be ideal for Newcastle, given how loanee Kenedy has struggled to make a consistent impact this season – and another loan move has been targeted.
Newcastle have been hoping to take Atletico winger Martins on loan in a hugely ambitious move, but the Portuguese international seemingly won’t be heading to St James’ Park inside the next week.
The Chronicle claim that Martins is now nearing a move to Monaco instead, with Thierry Henry’s men swooping in to hijack Newcastle’s loan offer for the speedster.
It’s also noted that Newcastle sources felt that Martins was ‘lukewarm’ about a move to Tyneside when approached, and Benitez is now looking elsewhere for potential additions.
Martins, 23, may have only started one league game for Atletico this season, but he could have been a hugely exciting addition for Newcastle based on his time with Sporting.
A wide man with blistering pace and real end product having hit 13 goals and 13 assists last season, Martins could have been a huge addition – but barring a late change of heart, it seems that Martins will be heading to Monaco instead.
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