Eddie Howe could be about to bounce back from Newcastle United’s doomed pursuit of Chelsea-bound Tosin Adarabioyo by signing goalkeeper Giorgo Mamardashvili. The Blues have reportedly been tracking the Valencia stopper for over a year, but they may ultimately miss out as the Magpies put their interest into action.
Mamardashvili has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons as Valencia’s first choice between the sticks, racking up 100 appearances for the Spanish side despite the fact he’s only 23 years old.
Comfortable at the top level and a towering 6ft 6in tall, Mamardashvili has emerged as a prominent target for cash-rich clubs in need of a goalkeeper upgrade this summer, including Newcastle and Chelsea.
The Magpies played with back-up option Martin Dubravka in goal for most of last season due to Nick Pope’s injury woes, while Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, reportedly wants a new No 1 capable of playing out from the back.
According to Spanish radio station COPE, Newcastle have surged ahead in the race for Mamardashvili by submitting a £35million bid. The Georgian international has an £85m release clause in his contract but it is believed that Valencia would be willing to sell for a considerably lower fee.
Beating Chelsea to Mamardashvili’s signature would surely taste sweet for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, having seen his side’s move for Adarabioyo hijacked by the Blues, who are expected to agree a free transfer for the centre-back over the coming days.
