Newcastle United failed with a move for Lille midfielder Thiago Maia, it has been revealed.

La Voix Du Nord says Maia turned down the chance to join Newcastle this summer.

His name was linked with the Magpies in the final week of the window and reports in France suggested an offer had been accepted, despite Newcastle's congested midfield - with Jack Colback and Henri Saivet among central midfielders left out of the 25-man PL squad because of no space in the squad, says the Evening Chronicle.

But the French report today claims Maia did turn down the move.

They say, despite being fifth choice midfielder at Lille now, the 22-year-old stayed to fight for place and test himself in the Champions League.