Newcastle United have been dealt a blow as fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace are reluctant to allow full-back Papa Square leave the club this month, according to a report on the Evening Standard.
The Magpies have been keeping a close eye on the situation of Souare at Palace, where he has struggled to break into the starting line-up under manager Roy Hodgson.
However, the Eagles are unlikely to allow him to leave because first-choice full-back Jeffrey Schlupp is currently unavailable though injury, meaning Souare may be needed as cover.
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is desperate to bring in reinforcements to his squad this month and is targeting a new left-back to provide competition for Paul Dummett.
Benitez failed to significantly strengthen his squad last summer and is facing the same problem this month as the takeover of the club is taking longer than expected to be completed, meaning he may not have sufficient funds to secure the signings that he desires.
Souare was a key target for Benitez as he has plenty of Premier League experience, but with Palace fighting to avoid relegation, Hodgson needs every player from his squad to chip in to help them avoid the drop.
