The BCCI are refusing to sanction Laxman's move because the Notts squad includes players who performed in last year's controversial Indian Cricket League.
Newell said: "We thought we'd done a deal with VVS, and we thought we had permission from the BCCI, but somebody's spotted something and now they want to question the whole deal."
Newell confirmed that the two other players the club has spoken to would both like to come to Trent Bridge to fill the role vacated by Voges.