Newcastle United’s bid to sell defender Grant Hanley to Derby County have been dealt a considerable blow, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper report that Derby may pull the plug on their pursuit after winning the race to sign Curtis Davies from relegated Hull City.
Derby provided confirmation on their official club website on Wednesday morning that the 32-year-old had signed a two-year-deal with the Championship club.
But the Rams had earlier expressed an interest in signing the out-of-favour Hanley from Newcastle, although their successful approach for Davies means they may no longer pursue a deal.
It was reported by the Mirror last month that Newcastle had received a bid worth £4million from Derby for the Scotland international, and that manager Gary Rowett was keen to add his experience to his side.
Hanley, 25, had struggled to earn regular first-team football at St. James’ Park last season, despite being bought from Blackburn by Rafa Benitez at the start of the campaign.
He made just 16 appearances in all competitions, of which just half were starts, and his lack of opportunities could see him cut short his five-year deal on Tyneside.
Yet while a potential route to Derby may no longer be on the cards, there is still said to be interest from Championship rivals Cardiff City, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
An earlier report from the Chronicle claimed that the second-tier trio were looking to rival Derby for Hanley’s signature this summer, although the Rams were considered favourites at the time.