The length of contract on offer is being blamed for Kevin Nolan's shock move from Newcastle United to West Ham United.
The Sun says Nolan still had two years left on his £40,000-a-week Toon contract but talks over a new deal had broken down after months of negotiating.
Newcastle offered him a £500,000 bonus if the club finished 10th or above next season, plus an extra 12 months on his contract with a £10,000-a-week pay rise. But Nolan, 28, wanted a five-year deal and talks collapsed.
A Toon insider said: "Kevin was a big part of the club and the feeling is that he has done a great job for Newcastle in his time.
"But the offer made to him was seen as extremely generous to reflect that. The fact that a final agreement couldn't be reached is a shame and the fans will be hurt but the powers that be are thinking of the best terms for the club as a whole."
