Double transfer blow for Magpies

Lille have told Newcastle target Mathieu Debuchy he is staying put, while Ajax are also battling to keep Vurnon Anita.

The news comes as a double blow to Magpies boss Alan Pardew who says he still hopes to sign three new players before the closure of the transfer window at the end of August. Debuchy has been one of Newcastle's top targets this summer but they have struggled to agree a fee with the French club and now any chance of a deal looks to be off. It will also come as a blow to Debuchy who had his heart set on a move to St James' Park but unless there is a U-turn from the French it looks like the move is off. "He doesn't really have the choice. The club has made a decision and he has to deal with it," coach Rudi Garcia revealed. Meanwhile, Pardew also faces a battle to land Ajax midfielder Anita, who he was ready to bid £7.5million for. The Dutch giants are set to offer him a bumper deal and hope that will be enough to convince him to stay. Ajax director of football Marc Overmars said: "We don't want to lose Vurnon."