Report: £35m player tells Newcastle he won't be signing for them, he doesn't want to be in a relegation fight

By Lee Connor

Newcastle Untied have been handed a blow in the January market, with reports claiming that Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek has rejected a move to St James’ Park.

The Telegraph reports how Newcastle have approached officials at Old Trafford over Van de Beek. However, the Mags have been flat rejected for two reasons. One is that United don’t want to weaken their squad for the second half of the season. The second, and more important, is that Van de Beek isn’t keen on the idea of a relegation battle.

It is a further blow for PIF and Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe. The club are currently scrambling to get new signings in before the door slams shut in two weeks’ time. Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have arrived so far, but beyond that, Newcastle keep hitting frustration.

Other names, such as Diego Carlos of Seville, are expected to be pursued heavily this week. But in terms of midfielders, Newcastle do look to be struggling.

Van de Beek remains on the periphery of things at Old Trafford. He has come on a few times in recent weeks but still looks a frustrated figure. United paid £35m for the Dutchman in September of 2020.

TBR’s View: Van de Beek Blow Is A Problem For Newcastle

This is the issue for Newcastle in this window. They’ve won one game all season long and players are looking and wondering why, other than money, should they move to the northeast.

Van de Beek was always going to be an obvious target. He has quality, but is just missing any sort of confidence and game-time at the moment. He would get the minutes at St James, but he clearly doesn’t fancy it.

For Newcastle, it will be a case of onto the next one. Others are available, and two weeks is a long time in football to get deals over the line.