Newcastle United have ‘secret agent’ to sign £55m Nick Pope replacement..
A goalkeeper is understood to be an area Newcastle United are looking at this summer.
Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
A goalkeeper is understood to be a priority for the Magpies ahead of the summer transfer window. That is despite Newcastle having five experienced shot-stoppers in their Premier League squad.
Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka have shared the top-flight responsibility this season, with Odysseas Vlachodimos given a sole cup appearance. John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie have given backup to the goalkeeping unit but both could move on when their contracts expire in June.
The feeling is Newcastle need a new goalie adept between the sticks but also comfortable in possession. A blend of Pope’s shot-stopping and Dubravka’s footwork could propel the Magpies to the next level.
It is no secret that James Trafford remains a target but Burnley’s recent promotion has thrown a spanner in the works. Personal terms were agreed last summer but both camps could not agree on a fee, with Newcastle working under a tight PSR threshold.
Fabian Schar could become secret Newcastle United agent
The Daily Mail claim Dortmund keeper Kobel has been watched as his future becomes uncertain. Regarded as one of Europe’s best goalies, the 27-year-old is contracted until 2028 but has a reported £50million release clause.
Newcastle could haggle for a lower fee if the German giants miss out on Champions League football. They currently sit fifth heading into their final Bundesliga game at home to Holstein Kiel.
Fabian Schar may have a role to play despite retiring from international duty last year. Kobel is still part of the Switzerland setup and recently displaced Yann Sommer as No.1.
Gregor Kobel on Borussia Dortmund future
Kobel dismissed speculation about his future when grilled by the media earlier this month. His focus is on ending the season with Champions League qualification at Dortmund.
“If I had to comment on every rumour every time, l’d be chattering a lot,” he said. “We’re in an important phase. I want to concentrate 100 per cent on my club, anything else would not be appropriate. We still want to reach the Champions League.”
English wonderkid also targeted
The same piece also names Dortmund wonderkid Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as a possible target. Born in Reading, the winger moved to Germany five years ago after spells at Cheslea and Manchester City.
Premier League clubs are understood to be queuing up for Bynoe-Gittens after a breakout season with Dortmund. The 20-year-old has bagged 12 goals across all competitions to become the latst English prodigy to emerge from Westfalenstadion.
Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham learned their trade at Dortmund before earning big-money moves elsewhere. Like Kobel, he also has a release clause around the £50million mark.
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