The Magpies were linked with the winger before he joined West Ham.
West Ham new-boy Stewart Downing has revealed Newcastle’s obstinate transfer policy was the reason for him snubbing a move to St James’ Park.
The 29-year-old former Middlesbrough winger admits that he was in talks with the Magpies over a return to the north East but decided against making the switch after it became clear boss Alan Pardew was unable to stretch the budget to land him – likening them to former club Liverpool in that respect.
Downing swapped the Merseyside club for West Ham in a £6 million deal earlier this month and, by mere coincidence, made his full debut for Sam Allardyce’s side in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle on Saturday.
“There were things going on in the background and Newcastle enquired about me,’ Downing told Metro, “But it sounds like their owners are similar to Liverpool on transfer fees and wages and the player’s age.
“That all comes into the equation, and I think that was obviously a problem for Alan Pardew.
“It was a move I was interested in and I looked at it, but when I spoke to Sam Allardyce he wanted me straight away.
“He pushed the boat out to get me, and there’s nothing more you want as a player.”
Newcastle have made just one senior signing this summer, bringing in Loic Remy from QPR on loan, with unpopular director of football Joe Kinnear is struggling to add to the ranks on Tyneside.
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