Even with four fixtures to go of the current Premier League season, Newcastle are already hard at work with their summer transfer business.

With some deals looking likelier than others, such as Burnley’s James Trafford, we can still expect a number of fresh new faces on Tyneside come the start of next season.

But according to a new report, one defensive acquisition is looking less likely, as we may be stepping away from the saga altogether.

Huijsen interest put on hold

Newcastle United may be forced to cool their interest in Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen over a potential £50m move this summer.

According to the i’s Mark Douglas, the uphill task it would take to sign Spaniard looks to have become even more complicated over numerous additional factors.

First being Huijsen’s sizeable wage demands, especially with several ‘big six’ rivals in the mix ready to offer huge contracts given his £50m release clause may fall below his market value.

In his report, Douglas writes that “The i Paper understands they have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, but there is a feeling his interest lies elsewhere.”

With Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal now reportedly joining the race, alongside the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid, we may already head to the negotiating table at a disadvantage over what we can offer the 20-year-old in terms of a total package.

Champions League football and consistent game time is also said to be one of Huijsen’s personal demands, something which is looking likely but not quite yet guaranteed at the club.

A summer saga worth skipping?

After the tiring transfer saga we saw unfold last summer over Marc Guehi, it’s no surprise to see us be partially reluctant to move for a player who’s not 100% committed to a move to us.

And when we look at our past big signings of Tonali, Isak and Guimaraes, the relative ease of negotiations and lack of big competition for each player’s signature shows we can always look elsewhere for more attainable, equally-as-talented players.

Huijsen hasn’t disappeared off the radar entirely, with the club’s analysts still holding him in incredibly high regard over his potential, we need to be seen as a first class choice to players, and not play back up option should a move to a perceived ‘Elite’ club isn’t on the table for in-demand players.