I'm sure there was 'interest' in him the guy had a sensational season and was available, I'm not disputing Newcastle could afford him but I doubted they would pay 11 million on a gamble who's had one top season in his career. Gameiro would have been a good coup but an even better one would be if they pull off Matuidi or manage to someone lure Sow away from France (Unlikely but not impossible).
I would rather go with Hoarau over Erdinc personally but both are decent footballers, would rather see Newcastle buy Kris Boyd to be honest the 'kid' needs a chance in the Premier League and if they shell out 3-4 million for him then bonus but I would let him go for free just to 'help' further his career you know...
If I had the power of being a 'sky source' that is the first thing I would do, start a rumour mill on Kris Boyd going to Newcastle, black and white would suit him don't you think?