Back towards the end of the January transfer window, it was reported in Italy that Newcastle had made an offer for a left-back in Italy.
Following the injury to Jetro Willems, it made sense for Steve Bruce to find himself a new player in the role, and Corriere dello Sport reported the Magpies had put a loan bid in for Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam.
However, the Algeria international turned down the chance to move to St James’ Park, and it was claimed he would only leave the south of Italy for a permanent deal.
No such offer was made, and the player will now remain with the Serie A side until the end of the season.
Fast forward to mid-February, and it’s now being reported by the same Corriere dello Sport that it was in fact Napoli trying to get rid of their man.
It’s stated the Italians tried to ‘send him out on loan’, offering him around Europe, ‘in vain’.
Marseille, Lille and Newcastle all came forward at different times, but the 29-year-old all sent them packing, with the Premier League club the last one to come forward.
Failing in their attempts to get Ghoulam, Bruce eventually plumped on Tottenham’s Danny Rose, who was brought in on transfer deadline day on loan until the end of the season.
