Newcastle are set to lose out in their move for Gelson Martins, with Monaco now favourites to sign the Portuguese international on loan.
Rafa Benitez had made enquiries over his services on Thursday, but Sky Sports News understands the player is set to choose a short-term switch to Monaco instead.
Benitez is in the market for two attacking players as he bids to lift Newcastle up the table from their current position of 17th, just two points above the drop zone.
Atletico Madrid forward Martins has struggled for game time with the La Liga side, making only 12 appearances under manager Diego Simeone since joining them from Sporting Lisbon last July.
Martins scored 13 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions last term.
He represented his country from U18 to U23 levels before making his full senior debut against Andorra in September 2016 and he has since gone on to earn 21 caps.