... Mike Ashley wouldn't up the odds when his French club kept moving the goal posts.
The French international has made the right noises of late - saying he would "jump at the chance" to join Newcastle.
But Debuchy saga took another twist - according to reports this morning.
Suddenly Barcelona are interested in signing the long-term Newcastle target.
The 27-year-old full-back has recently admitted his disappointment that a move to the Magpies from Lille could not be agreed in the summer.
But, let's be honest, he could well be tempted by the Spanish giants.