Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare has allegedly rejected the opportunity to sign for Newcastle United.
Throughout the January transfer window, Soumare has been heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Chelsea and Manchester United said to be the frontrunners for his signature.
However, according to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie, Newcastle got the closest to signing the 20-year-old earlier this month.
Downie claims that Newcastle were successful with a bid of £35m plus add-ons for Soumare, only for the highly-regarded youngster to turn down the chance to move to St James' Park.
Soumare has made 29 outings in all competitions this season, which includes six starts for the French club in the Champions League.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce acknowledged on Friday that Newcastle have had a big-money bid rejected for an unnamed player.
Darren Plant
