Douglas, 24, has long been a transfer target for the Magpies, but the Daily Mail reports that confusion over his contract and several agents acting in the player’s name are putting them off a deal.
The Brazilan defender’s contract was due to end this year, but his current contract has a clause for his stay to be extended by one year, the report suggests.
With such complications, Newcastle are close to giving up on the player and looking at other targets, such as Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.
