Report: Newcastle's transfer plans have taken a knock as Real Madrid star rejects approach

Despite Newcastle United's clear rise since the PIF-backed takeover, there's still a lot of work to be done to cement the club's reputation as a contender.

Newcastle defied expectations last season finishing in the Premier League's top four in the first full season since the Saudi PIF's takeover of the club. It was a huge statement by the club, but one that probably came a bit too soon in the grand scheme of things.

Indeed, Newcastle's current league position and problems with injuries this season will point to the fact that we weren't quite ready for the Champions League just yet, but we got there, and now it's all about maintaining that level and that means bringing in players of a Champions League quality.

The problem is, Newcastle likely won't qualify for the elite competition again this season unless everything goes our way in the run-in, and that's going to seriously hamper the club's ability to attract the right calibre of player.

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Ferland Mendy has already rejected a move to Newcastle

Case in point, it has been reported by Team Talk that Newcastle have already suffered a setback as they've made their move for Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy who has no desire to move to St James' Park.

The 28-year-old France international is being pursued by several of the Premier League's big hitters so has plenty of options, and given Newcastle's slim chances of Champions League qualification, Mendy doesn't feel like a move to the North East would benefit him right now.

Mendy has already picked up winners’ medals in the Champions League, La Liga (x2), Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup), Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup, x3), and UEFA Super Cup and is therefore only likely to want to move to a side who is challenging for honours, and Newcastle simply aren't there yet, at least it would be difficult to convince players that we are.

Newcastle need a new first-choice left-back

A top-class left-back has to be on the list for Newcastle this summer after watching Dan Burn struggle in that position this season. Matt Targett simply has to be sold this summer, it's just not worth having him around, and Lewis Hall, as highly as we rate him, is not ready to be a first-choice left-back for us yet.

We need someone with experience and Ferland Mendy would be perfect, but he clearly has his sights set on the ready-made option rather than working for his silverware.

It's an issue that Newcastle are going to come across often as they try to build a side that can push for honours. We have managed to convince some top players to join the project already, so we know it can be done, it all comes down to the attitude of our targets and whether they are willing to help a side build towards something. Those who aren't, we don't want.