Newcastle U-turn explained as Sky Sports reveal release clause demands

Newcastle failed in their attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in recent weeks, but it now appears that the Magpies have had a change of heart.

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are no longer interested in signing Gallagher on loan, despite reports that they were willing to pay a £5 million loan fee.

Instead, Newcastle are now said to be focusing on other targets, with Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus understood to be high on their list of priorities.

Gallagher is said to have a £40m release clause in his Chelsea contract

One possible reason for Newcastle's U-turn could be the fact that Gallagher is said to have a £40 million release clause in his Chelsea contract.

This means that Newcastle would have to pay a significant fee to sign Gallagher on a permanent deal, which is something that they are reluctant to do at this stage.

Newcastle are known to be keen on signing Gallagher on loan, but it seems that Chelsea are not willing to let him go without a fight.

Newcastle are now said to be focusing on other targets

With Gallagher now out of the picture, Newcastle are said to be focusing on other targets.

One player who has been linked with a move to St James' Park is Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus.

Neuhaus is a highly-rated player who has been capped by Germany at senior level, and he would be a significant addition to the Newcastle squad.

Newcastle are also said to be interested in signing a new left-back, with FC Porto's Zaidu Sanusi understood to be a target.

Sanusi is a talented young defender who has been capped by Nigeria at international level, and he would be a good addition to the Newcastle squad.