Newcastle United were heavily linked with Brazilian playmaker Gabriel in the January transfer window, but a move never materialized.
Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio was one of the main sources who reported about the Championship club’s interest in the player.
The 23-year-old, who currently plays for La Liga side Leganes, has now confirmed that the Magpies were indeed interested in signing him last month. However, the Spanish club, who are currently placed 17th in the league table, decided against selling one of their stars.
Gabriel, in an interview with Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo said, “Yes, I think it was true. But it’s gone, and now I think of here, where I am and where I am going to be. It was a club subject – I was training, and it happened. The club decided it [that I would stay] and that was it,”
The January window was turned out to be quite a disappointment for Newcastle in the end. The Magpies were linked with a host of players but ended up signing no one eventually.
Gabriel, who signed for Leganes in a permanent move from Juventus in summer, has scored two goals and provided one assist in 20 league appearances this season.
