Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney was the subject of a £20 million approach from Newcastle, according to manager Slavisa Jokanovic, but the Craven Cottage side turned down the offer.
Scotland international Cairney was one of the standout players in the Championship last season and, according to the Serbian, Rafael Benitez tried to snap him up for the Toon.
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“He asked for him and they offered £20m, but we didn’t let him go,” Jokanovic told the media.
“He’s not for Newcastle, there is no business there. He fits in at Fulham.
“When the team has problems, the ball always goes to him and he keeps it.”
The 26-year-old, who has previously turned out for Hull City and Blackburn, has already voiced his desire to play in the Premier League.
“Every player has to back themselves to play at that level and I believe once I get there — and I hope it’s with Fulham — I really will show I can do things at that level,” he said in May.
“It’s all about getting there in the first place, but I do think it does suit my game.”
Cairney turned out 45 times in the Championship for Fulham last season, scoring 12 times and laying on 11 more.
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