Rafael Benitez has no interest in signing three players linked with joining Newcastle in recent days, according to the Times.
The newspaper claim that manager Benitez is keen to beef up his squad with more new signings and is frustrated at the lack of transfer activity before the club’s return to pre-season training.
But the Times report that the Spaniard “has no substantive interest in Manchester City’s Joe Hart, nor in Sam Clucas or Kamil Grosicki of Hull City” despite his considerable desire for new blood.
The trio, who all have top-flight experience, have been mentioned as possible targets by various media outlets.
The Daily Mail reported that Newcastle have made an approach for Hart as they look to sign an experienced goalkeeper who is proven in the Premier League.
The Mail also claimed that the north-east giants have been in touch with Hull about a deal to sign £10million-rated midfielder and their 2016-17 player of the year Clucas.
Polish news outlet Sportowefakty reported that the winger Grosicki is on the radar of both the Magpies and their Premier League rivals Watford.
But they appear unlikely to head to St James’ Park this summer and link up with the two arrivals to date, defender Florian Lejeune and winger Christian Atsu.
Benitez is reported by the Times to have been maddened that Newcastle were unable to push through the signings of striker Tammy Abraham and keeper Willy Caballero.
Abraham joined Swansea on loan on Tuesday despite extensive talks with United and Caballero was announced as Chelsea’s first summer signing last Saturday.