Newcastle United's loan bid to sign Gelson Martins has been hijacked by Monaco - the same club they submitted a loan offer to for Antonio Barreca only this morning.
The Ligue 1 club were are open to loaning Barreca to the Magpies if an arrangement fee is paid, but either side of those discussions, Monaco were also talking to Atletico Madrid about former Sporting Lisbon man Martins.
Martins looks likely to be on his way to the principality club in a loan deal until the end of the season.
United sources have indicated that Martins did speak to Toon officials but was lukewarm on the move and Benitez is now looking at other targets.
It caps a frustrating day for the Magpies with Rafa Benitez hopeful that managing director Lee Charnley would be able to secure the loan of Martins after submitting an offer with the deal sanctioned by Mike Ashley.
Newcastle remain in talks with former Torino left-back Barreca, but Benitez is now considering those other options if Martins decides to opt for a relegation battle in France rather than the Premier League.
Atletico are keen to get an outgoing loan agreed quickly to facilitate the arrival of Álvaro Morata from Chelsea.
The situation hardly helps the atmosphere at Newcastle with Benitez becoming more frustrated by the day after a dreadful window so far.
Benitez's shortlist for players was submitted before Christmas but none of the suggested targets have been signed yet.
