Newcastle United transfer news: Brendan Rodgers discusses SHOCK Magpies loan move plus former flop eyed by Champions League outfit

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leicester City at London Stadium on December 28, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Choudhury was booed by United fans on his last appearance at St James’s Park, in which he also scored, following a horror challenge in the League Cup that saw Matt Ritchie sidelined for four months.

With that in mind, it came as a shock to many to hear of Steve Bruce’s rumoured approach for the England youth international.

While the signing of Nabil Bentaleb has put an end to Newcastle's midfielder search, Rodgers says getting Choudhury was never an option.

“We don’t want to weaken our squad. That’s important for us in this window," said Rodgers.

“That means that we’ll be keeping the players here that we want to be here, and if we can strengthen, we’ll add one or two. If not, every player that’s here is going to be very important in this period and through to the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, a United flop, signed from Leicester, is reportedly being eyed by Tottenham Hotspur as they look to plug the gap left behind by Harry Kane.

Islam Slimani, currently on loan at AS Monaco from the Foxes, is thought to be on Jose Mourinho’s radar.

But again, Rodgers thinks a deal is unlikely.

He said: “Slim’s out on loan and there’s an agreement for him to be there for the season, so if there is any team that is interested in taking over that loan, they will come through to the people here at Leicester City.”