Newcastle have been slammed over their January attempts for Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.

During the window, the defender seemed destined to leave for the Premier League side battling relegation but Sevilla turned down their initial bid, a reported £30million.

However, sources close to the player have told the Daily Star they had made a 'derisory' offer, slamming reports that the Magpies were told of the price by Sevilla before the La Liga side moved the goalposts.

“That's a crock of s*** because they never gave a price," a source said.

"They referred Newcastle to the buyout clause (£58.4million). The media reporting was Newcastle-driven. Same as with Unai Emery when he turned them down before an important Champions League game.

"You can't be considered a big club by washing your dirty linen in public and getting the player to do the dirty work doesn't work with them.

"Just because allegedly there is loads of cash doesn't mean everyone will walk to Newcastle and sign."