Hyypia in action against Everton in January this year
Newcastle have had a bid for Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia turned down, manager Joe Kinnear revealed on Sunday.
After watching his side grab a 1-1 draw with Sunderland, Kinnear is desperate to strengthen the Magpies squad before the end of January's transfer window.
"I have spent most of the last two days trying to get finance and players," said the 62-year-old Kinnear.
"I tried for one centre-half, but got knocked back. Liverpool weren't prepared to let Hyypia out."
St James' Park is set for a busy 24 hours before transfer deadline, with keeper Shay Given having a medical at Manchester City and Charles N'Zogbia set for a switch to Wigan, with Latics full-back Ryan Taylor possibly moving the other way.
"I will start working on finances and players now right up until midnight and then tomorrow. Fingers crossed we can get all four deals done," said Kinnear.
"I want to get somebody with experience because of the position we are in. We have a very young back four and I just want somebody who is a good organiser."
The Magpies have had a turbulent season and currently sit in 15th position in the Premier League.
Kinnear has just four victories as manager at Newcastle since replacing Kevin Keegan last September and said last week the task of avoiding relegation was the "biggest challenge" he had ever faced.
"This has been a struggle from day one since I walked in here," he said.
"I want to get 16, 17 (more) points, forget about this season and start looking for next season with a different attitude and a different team.
"We have been torn to shreds with turmoil, injuries - we have had the lot."
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