Pardew has had a long-standing interest in the Brazilian, who last week claimed Newcastle were just one of five clubs who were bidding to sign him this summer.
But after growing frustrated with the complications surrounding the deal, United have moved away from the potential deal and are now working on other targets.
Douglas’ situation is also complicated by a delay in him receiving Dutch citizenship.
He is just 24 and at 6ft 4ins, would clearly be the strong aerial presence that Alan Pardew wants to add to his squad.
However, the transfer was hijacked by the number of middle men that Newcastle were having to deal with, each of whom seemed to want a cut of the deal.
With Steven Taylor’s imminent return, United will have three specialist centre-backs available with Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson.