‘Special’ player now has no interest in leaving amid claims Newcastle want to sign him

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Newcastle United are in something of a funk right now.

Struggling to scale the heights they managed last season on the field, FFP constraints are believed to be frustrating those behind the scenes off of it.

It all makes for a reasonably bleak January transfer window for Newcastle, who are yet to sign a player and have seen key players linked with a move away.

Now, it seems a player the club have held a reasonably long-standing interest in has little desire to join.

Emile Smith Rowe: Newcastle transfer news

Indeed, Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe has been linked with a move to St James’ Park since last summer’s transfer window.

In fact, as recently as last month, there were suggestions the club were tracking a move for the player. At 23 and able to operate both in midfield and attack (positions Newcastle reportedly want to strengthen), Smith Rowe looked a logical target.

However, according to the Evening Standard, the Gunners have no intention in letting their academy graduate – once hailed by Jamie Carragher as “special” – leave amid loan interest from West Ham.

Smith Rowe, meanwhile, is believed to want to fight for his place at his boyhood club as he looks to put injury problems behind him.

Emile Smith Rowe to Newcastle: Transfer looks unlikely

The prospect of tempting a rival in Arsenal to strengthen Newcastle’s cause midway through a season always looked unlikely, unless a big offer turned their heads.

Doing so while working under FFP restrictions made it seem almost impossible.

Still, it’s a blow longer term given Newcastle’s reportedly long-standing interest in the player. Keen to stay at the club even despite his lack of regular minutes, tempting him away from north London looks a tall order even in the summer.

Newcastle may have to move onto other targets both in January and in the summer.