Delay could have cost Newcastle United chance to secure transfer coup from Premier League rivals

Newcastle United’s interest in Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic reportedly came too late to persuade the Blues to agree to a deal.

The Magpies considered a number of options as they looked to strengthen their options in wide positions and were believed to have made offers for Everton star Anthony Gordon and Bayer Leverkusen’s highly-rated forward Moussa Diaby.

With the final week of the transfer approaching, United were said to in contact with Chelsea over the possibility of securing a loan deal for one of several fringe players at Stamford Bridge.

Albanian striker Armando Broja, midfielder Conor Gallagher and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi were all under consideration - but the Magpies strongest interest was in a move for USA international Pulisic.

The former Borussia Dortmund star has cut a frustrated figure in recent months and has made just one start for the Blues this season, playing for an hour in their recent 2-1 home win against West Ham United.

But with the World Cup Finals rapidly approaching, Pulisic was reportedly keen to secure a loan move elsewhere in order to gain regular game-time before travelling to Qatar with the United States.

Newcastle were one of several options for the winger - but journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Magpies delay in approaching their Premier League rivals cost them any chance of a deal after a change of heart from Blues co-owner Todd Boehly.

He told Que Golazo: “(There was a) strong interest from Newcastle.

“Newcastle were obsessed with Christian. They wanted him, but they wanted him loan, maybe with a buy option but not mandatory. This is why Chelsea decided to say no.

“At the beginning of the market, Chelsea were happy to accept these kind of deals, for example with Lukaku.

“But then in August, Todd Boehly changed his position and only wanted his players to leave on permanent deals. This was the case for Pulisic, Ziyech and many others.”

Pulisic will now hope to make a big impact under new Blues boss Graham Potter, starting when the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager takes charge of his first Premier League game at Crystal Palace next weekend.