Newcastle suffer double blow as club miss out on two 'key targets' after talks - The Athletic

The Athletic have kicked off Monday morning by revealing two players who won't be signing for Newcastle United this month.

First off, David Ornstein reports that we've 'dropped out of the race' for highly-rated right-back Ivan Fresneda.

The club held talks with the 18-year-old's agent this month, however it's thought the Spaniard will now choose between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund after both clubs agreed a £13m fee that includes an immediate loan back to his current club.

Elsewhere, The Athletic reveal that we've held talks with Manchester United over Scott McTominay - but been told the midfielder will NOT be leaving Old Trafford this month.

He's been identified as a 'key target' for Eddie Howe, yet remains an 'important member' of Erik ten Hag's squad, meaning Newcastle must revisit the situation this summer should we wish to bring in the 26-year-old.

Missing out on Fresneda feels like a blow - he is considered one of the most talented young defenders in La Liga - however I'm not so sure the same can be said about McTominay, with most Toon fans underwhelmed by the thought of him signing at St James' Park.