Newcastle United have pulled out of the deal to sign defender Douglas, according to
Sky Sports. The Brazilian born centre-back, who also holds a Dutch passport, had been a long-term target of The Magpies and a deal was understood to have been on the verge of being finalised, with the player available on a free transfer having let his contract run down with Dutch side FC Twente. Manager Alan Pardew and chief scout Graham Carr had been chasing Douglas' signature for the past two seasons. However, the 25-year old will not be playing at St James' Park next season after the North East outfit backed out of the deal, a decision believed to have been made by the club's controversial new director of football Joe Kinnear. Douglas's representatives were due to fly out tomorrow to hold talks over a potential deal but Newcastle have informed them they will no longer be pursuing any interest in signing him. Kinnear, who managed Newcastle between 2008 and 2009 before stepping aside due to ailing health issues to be replaced by Alan Shearer, has wasted no time in stamping his authority on transfer dealings at the club and will astonishingly have the same amount of say over who comes in and out over the summer as manager Alan Pardew. Kinnear has reportedly identified alternative defensive transfer targets for the club to move for this summer. Just hours after this report broke and minutes before next season's fixture list was announced, Newcastle's Managing Director
Derek Llambias resigned.