Newcastle have signed Aston Villa defender Matt Targett on loan until the end of the season, but look set to miss out on Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.
Left-back Targett, 26, has made 126 Premier League appearances for Southampton and Villa.
He is manager Eddie Howe's fourth signing of the January transfer window.
The Magpies also seemed to be closing in on France Under-20 international Ekitike, 19, but the player has had second thoughts.
Ekitike was Newcastle's preferred target after it became clear Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah was not for sale.
He would have added to Newcastle's attacking options after signing Chris Wood from Burnley for £25m.