Cho Jae-jin has scored eight goals for South Korea

The Magpies held talks with the 26-year-old, who is out of contract with Japanese club Shimizu S-Pulse.

But a club spokesman said: "The club has had discussions with the player and his representatives, but has decided not to proceed any further."

Cho Jae-jin has scored eight goals in 29 international appearances for South Korea and has also been linked with moves to Fulham and West Ham.