Newcastle United have lost out in the chase for Brendan Galloway, reports The Chronicle.
Rafa Benitez had hoped to add the young Zimbabwe-born English defender to the squad this window but Everton believe he will be better served by a spell with a Premier League team, despite struggling to find cover for their own defence.
It’s a blow to Rafa with Jesus Gamez struggling to reach match fitness. The 31 year-old Spaniard, predominantly a right back, is pencilled in as cover on both flanks.
Newcastle are now turning their attention to other defensive targets but Benitez acknowledged that he faces an uphill task convincing players to drop down a division. Money talks and the Magpies are missing out on the first season of the new broadcasting bonanza.
The failure to land Galloway brings into question the speculation over Daryl Janmaat’s future. If Newcastle are struggling to land defensive targets, it’s hard to see Benitez sanctioning his sale, no matter how much the player might want it.