Former Nottingham Forest loanee Jack Colback will have to “bide his time” at Newcastle United.
The midfielder, who was a target for the Reds this summer while Martin O’Neill was in charge, was left out of the Magpies’ 25-man Premier League squad which was named last month.
And he did not secure a move elsewhere before the transfer window closed around Europe and for Leagues One and Two yesterday.
It leaves Colback facing an uncertain future and the prospect of the first half of the season without any senior football.
Former England defender Danny Mills believes the player’s wages are likely to have been the biggest stumbling block for finding a new club.
“It’s a surprise. He’s a decent player,” Mills told Football Insider, speaking before yesterday’s deadline.
“I’m assuming he’s on good money and that’s why a Championship side hasn’t come in to take him away.
“Is he good enough to step into a Premier League side and play week in, week out? Possibly not, but he could do a fabulous job in the Championship.
“But I’m guessing his wages are quite high. That’s probably put off a lot of clubs.
“As we know, Newcastle (are) unlikely to fund part of that deal and help anybody out.
“A quality player that will have to bide his time. You expect him to be a Steve Bruce kind of player; hard working, just get on with it.”
Colback had previously been frozen out at St James’ Park by former boss Rafa Benitez, but seemed to have been given a fresh start when Bruce took charge, being involved in a number of pre-season friendlies.
It was reported the 29-year-old, who had two impressive loan spells at the City Ground, had admirers in Scotland and League One before the window closed.
