Newcastle United's have had a very busy January transfer window, and their bid to stay in the Premier League could have been boosted by two huge signings.
It's been the first transfer window for Newcastle's new Saudi Arabian owners, and they've been hard at work trying to improve the team who are currently in a relegation battle.
Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes have all arrived at St James' Park to join Eddie Howe's team, but there has also been plenty of other players linked.
Whilst a move for Jesse Lingard is reportedly still being worked on, at time of writing, the Magpies also attempted a double swoop for two Napoli players.
According to Italian journalist Paolo Bargiggia, via Sport Witness, the Serie A side rejected a bid for Victor Osimhen and Fabian Ruiz that could have cost up to €140 million.
"Napoli received offers from Newcastle for the two jewels Osimhen and Fabian Ruiz, around 40 million for the Spaniard; they could have reached even 100 for the former Lille," Bargiggia said.
"Napoli turned them down and, the players themselves, were not convinced by the destination.
"The club has to renew the contract of Fabian Ruiz, who, at the moment, is one of the best in the squad and earns 1.5 million.
"My feeling is that if important clubs like Real Madrid show up, it will be hard to keep the player and match certain offers."
Osimhen moved to the Serie A side in July 2020 for around €70 million and scored 10 goals in the league in his first season in Italy.
The Nigeria striker has been hampered this season after fracturing his cheekbone in November and having to miss 12 games for Luciano Spalletti's team.
Whilst they have been able to get some deals over the line, the Naples pair aren't the only ones who have rejected a move to the north east this month.
Real Madrid pair Casemiro and Eden Hazard had no interest swapping La Liga for a Premier League relegation battle and Reims striker Hugo Ekiteke was expected to sign on Monday but decided against the move.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Transfers, Newcastle United, Premier League, Napoli, Serie A
Ryan Sidle