Newcastle may look to reignite their interest in the summer, when further significant changes in personnel are expected to take place. Big earner Alan Smith’s contract is up – and Peter Lovenkrands is expected to depart too.

United are intent of wringing out value from possible deals in the January window and while it has angered some – Watford boss Sean Dyche was particularly scathing about their approach for defender Adrian Mariappa – they will not shift from their stance. Newcastle value Mariappa around £3million but the Hornets appear to want double the £2million bid lodged for the defender over the weekend.

The transfer has reached an impasse and United were assessing their options. Newcastle sources have indicated that they will not recruit defensive cover at all in this window unless they can find ‘value’ – and they will not bring someone in for the sake of it.

They have already turned down the offer of Birmingham City defender Curtis Davies and a French-based defender with more than 100 Ligue 1 appearances was put to the club last week, only to be rejected because he was the wrong side of Newcastle’s stated policy of only signing stars who are under 26.

Meanwhile, United look set to cash in on goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who is close to sealing a permanent £2million switch to Celtic. Boss Neil Lennon said: “We hope to get a deal sorted soon.”

Former trialist Jason Prior is on the verge of moving to League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon. Newcastle ended his trial early to allow him to sign for a professional club where he will get guaranteed games.

United have scheduled their FA Youth Cup tie with Crystal Palace for February 9 at St James’ Park.