Newcastle transfer news: Damning claim emerges after Magpies tried to sign £16.2m star

Newcastle United's interest in Brighton and Hove Albion defender Adam Webster was 'laughed off' by the club's hierarchy, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. 

The Magpies enjoyed a successful Deadline Day, bringing in two important signings in the final hours of the January transfer window to significantly bolster Eddie Howe's first-team squad. 

Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett arrived on a loan until the end of the season after falling down the pecking order under new manager Steven Gerrard, becoming the club's fourth addition of the month.

And then Newcastle completed the signing of centre-back Dan Burn from the Seagulls for £13 million to take their spending above £90m in their first transfer window under the new ownership.

However, Burn was far from the North-East outfit's first-choice option when it came to strengthening their options at the heart of defence. 

When approaches for the talented trio of Sven Botman, Diego Carlos and Benoit Badiashile were knocked back by their respective clubs, Newcastle turned to Brighton to address their leaky backline. 

According to The Sun's Alan Nixon, Newcastle made a 'surprise late inquiry' for Webster - who is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt - following several impressive displays from the 6 foot 2 beast.

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The towering defender was deemed to be the right age at 27 and a good fit due to his Premier League experience on the south coast, although prising him away from the Amex Stadium wouldn't have been cheap. 

A formal offer for Webster failed to materialise, though, and Crook may have exposed why. 

The well-respected journalist has revealed Newcastle's inquiry for a player who signed a