Robin Gosens has admitted he found it difficult to turn down Newcastle's extremely lucrative offer in the January transfer window following the club's new found wealth.
The German international was one of a number of transfer targets approached by the Magpies in the January window as Newcastle boss Eddie Howe looked to spend their Saudi riches.
Atalanta star Gosens was identified as an ideal option to be Newcastle's new left-back, but rejected the chance to play in the Premier League and instead completed a loan switch to Inter Milan, with the option to make the deal permanent in the summer.
But speaking about Newcastle’s interest, Gosens admits that the club tabled a staggering offer to join their battle against relegation in the north east that he couldn't help but be tempted by.
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He told Kicker, via Sport Witness, that he was "only human" for considering the offer and that the financial benefit wasn’t "just about me," amid criticism aimed at Newcastle's recent takeover bid.
There were early reports that personal terms had been agreed between the two parties, as the Magpies attempted to persuade the 27-year-old by dramatically increasing his wages.
And Gosens gave an honest response when being asked about the prospect of joining the richest club in the world last month.
He said: “I thought about it, but I never really considered a change. I find it very human to think about it. If you can earn multiple amounts for the same job in a different location? Show me someone who just says ‘no, thank you’.
"It’s not just about me, I could probably have secured a few more generations of my family with this money.”
The left wing-back’s response reveals that the Magpies certainly weren’t holding back when it came to offering substantial personal terms for their targets, as they aimed to get things done quickly.
But the move just wasn’t to be for Gosens, who clearly has higher aspirations of playing for Europe’s elite.
It goes to show that the Magpies can very easily turn the heads of high profile players in the future using their financial power - perhaps how they beat off Arsenal for Bruno Guimaraes.
Either way, Gosens has now moved on to Inter Milan and Newcastle instead signed Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa to cover that position, as well as Dan Burn from Brighton who can also occupy the role if needed.
However, that left-back position will once again be up for grabs in the long term when Targett’s loan ends in the summer and the Magpies may try their luck at luring Gosens to St. James’ Park once more.
Inter have the option to buy him at the end of the season should certain conditions be met and although Atalanta have been keen to tie him down to a new deal, they may sell him in order to cash in.
And should those conditions not be met in order for Inter to guarantee his permanent signature in the summer, then the door could fly wide open for the Magpies to have a second bite of the cherry.
