Newcastle United are unlikely to complete January deals for Sparta Prague goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and Viktoria Plzen striker Michal Krmencik, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper claim that there has been heavy speculation linking the Magpies to both players in recent days, but definitively report that deals for either star are in doubt at this stage.
The Star report that Newcastle submitted a loan offer over the weekend for Dubravka, who has been a target since the beginning of the window, but Sparta only want a permanent deal for the £6m-rated Slovakia international.
It is said that the club’s pursuit of Plzen forward Krmencik is a non-starter, with the club saying no offer has been received for the 24-year-old Czech Republic international.
Plzen are also reportedly unwilling to discuss their star man’s future until they have wrapped up the Czech First League title, currently holding a 14-point advantage at the top.
Good move for Newcastle United?
It is well known that Newcastle have wanted Dubravka all window, and the Slovakia international would have been a solid signing.
Karl Darlow and Rob Elliott are not really up to scratch as Premier League number ones, and Dubravka would probably be the club’s best stopper if he joined.
Krmencik has been in red-hot form for league leaders Plzen, scoring 11 goals and laying on six assists in 14 games so far, and it is now wonder that he is attracting interest from elsewhere.
The 14-cap Czech Republic international looks ready made for the Premier League with his 6ft 3in frame allowing him to bully defenders and create goalscoring chances.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Unfortunately not.
It looks as though the Magpies have left it too late to sign either player, and it looks to be a seriously miserable window for Rafa Benitez.
The club have only signed Chelsea flyer Kenedy to a loan deal so far, and are looking like they will struggle to bring in many more reinforcements with just two days left.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10