Danny Rose would be taking a 'large step down' to join Newcastle United from Tottenham, according to pundit Danny Mills.
Magpies head coach Steve Bruce has confirmed his interest in the out-of-favour England international.
United are in the market for a left back following season-ending injuries to Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems, and Rose has reportedly been deemed surplus to requirements in North London.
The 29-year-old has featured just three times in the Premier League under Jose Mourinho, and is understood to be behind Ben Davies, Ryan Sessegnon and Japhet Tanganga in the pecking order.
A potential loan deal until the end of the season has been mooted due to the left back's lack of game time.
However, former Manchester City defender Mills does not believe Rose is "absolutely desperate to play".
The pundit also argued swapping Tottenham for United would be a significant downgrade, and reckons Newcastle is "a bit further north" than Rose would like.
Speaking to Football Insider, Mills said: “He’s a northern lad originally but Newcastle’s a bit further north than most people want to go.
“He’s been in London for a long time, it would be a bit of a culture change going up to Newcastle. Newcastle are safe now, that is for sure. Have to say it’s quite a large step down going from Tottenham to Newcastle.
“A loan till the end of the season? Possibly, but does he want that, does he want to make that move? He seems quite content. He doesn’t give the impression that he’s absolutely desperate to play.”
