Newcastle transfer target Yeremay Hernandez has been the subject of a €15m (£12.7m) offer from Chelsea, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist has confirmed that the bid was “rejected” by the Spaniard’s club Deportivo La Coruna who are convinced that he will stay with the team until the end of the season.
Hernandez would likely have joined Chelsea’s feeder side Strasbourg if the proposal had been accepted.
It remains to be seen whether the Magpies will react with an official offer of their own to head off interest from their Premier League rivals.
Newcastle were linked with signing the player earlier this month
Reports in the Spanish media had mentioned that Eddie Howe’s side were one of three Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the winger, along with Chelsea and Manchester City.
Hernandez is said to have a release clause in his contract worth €20m (£17m) so, if the Magpies were to trigger it, Deportivo would be powerless to block his move to St James’ Park.
However, if the 22-year-old is keen on staying with the Spanish second-division side until the summer, there wouldn’t be much point tabling a bid now.
Who else could the club sign instead of Hernandez?
The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules mean that Newcastle’s hands are firmly tied when it comes to doing business in January.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell could potentially tie down one or two players to pre-contract agreements. It has been claimed that a high-ranking club official went to watch Lille play against Nice last week, with Jonathan David said to be the centre of attention.
The Canadian international is set to leave France on a free transfer in July when his current deal expires. However, competition for his signature is expected to be fierce.
Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here