Italian giants Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma have all reportedly turned down the chance to sign Yannick Carrasco in January.
The Belgian winger is believed to be keen on making a return to Europe next month after spending close to two years in China with Dalian Yifang.
Despite the former Atletico Madrid man showing good form for Rafael Benitez's side, scoring 17 goals and creating a further eight in the last campaign, Calciomercato reports that the Italian giants were put off by his wages.
The 26-year-old is thought to be earning £9.3million every year with the Chinese club, a sum that none of the three was happy to match.
The report indicates that they may all revive their interest if the Belgian international can be persuaded to take a substantial pay cut.