Newcastle United have failed in their attempt to sign West Ham goalkeeper Joe Hart, according to a reliable journalist.
Times report Gary Jacob has claimed on his personal Twitter account on Tuesday that Rafael Benitez’s side have tabled an offer to snap up the 30-year-old, despite him currently being on loan at West Ham from Manchester City.
It is understood that the Magpies have offered a swap deal with one of their goalkeepers involved to try land the 75-time capped England international.
The report details that West Ham have firmly shut the door on allowing Hart to move to St James’ Park as he looks set to see out the rest of his loan at the London Stadium.
West Ham United say no to Newcastle's attempts to swap goalkeepers for Joe Hart
— Gary Jacob (@garyjacob) January 30, 2018
Hart has slipped down the pecking order under David Moyes and has not featured in the Premier League since November.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle need a new first-choice goalkeeper and Hart would be a decent addition for the second half of the season.
The shot-stopper would be an improvement on both Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot, plus he will be despaired to show his best form going into the summer’s World Cup with England.
His form may have dipped in the past couple of seasons, but it was not too long ago he was considered one of the best in the Premier League.
Hart is also a vocal character that would play a big role in dragging Newcastle away from a relegation battle.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle’s pursuit of a goalkeeper in January has been well documented, but it seems that Hart is unlikely to join the club.
He will be frustrated after slipping behind Adrian in the pecking order at West Ham and may have to spend the rest of the campaign as a second-choice option after the Hammers rejected a Newcastle approach.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10