Russell Edge

Fri 29 December 2017 15:01, UK

Brentford and Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Judge has revealed that Newcastle United had a transfer bid accepted from his club back in the summer of 2016.

The 29-year-old was out injured with a broken leg, a layoff which has kept him out of action for just under a year-and-a-half, when the Magpies, who had been relegated to the Championship, made a move for his services, having impressed for the Bees the season previous.

He stated that his current club had accepted the approach, but knowing the extent of the injury he never visited Tyneside for a medical, knowing the move would be off once the full details were examined by the north east side.

He told Brentford fanzine Thorne in the Side (Issue 30/12), as quoted by the Chronicle: “A fee was agreed. I was sitting at home and got a call from my agent who told me that Brentford had accepted a bid and I just thought ‘oh? fair enough’.

“This was four months ‘after’ the leg break so I was more surprised than anyone that a deal was going through.

“I knew they were never going to sign me once they looked thoroughly at my medical notes. I didn’t even bother going up there for the medical.

“To be fair to Newcastle, I think they thought I was further on in rehabilitation than I really was but I hadn’t got too excited about it.”

One-time-capped Republic of Ireland international Judge is yet to make an appearance for his club or country since breaking his foot in April 2016, but did appear on the bench for the club’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa on boxing day.

Newcastle saw 12 new faces through the door at St James’ Park in the summer of 2016, with Isaac Hayden and Mohamed Diame joining the Magpies to bolster their options in midfield instead of Judge.

In other Newcastle United transfer news, the club are expected to submit an official bid for a Premier League forward in January.