Newcastle could sign £35m ace who Van Dijk called “world-class”

All is effectively inside Eddie Howe‘s squad. Newcastle United have began 2025 on sturdy footing, however lots is happening away from the pitch as Paul Mitchell appears to be like to keep up the Toon’s stage over so a few years.

The brand new yr has definitely began off with a bang, with Newcastle answerable for their Carabao Cup semi-final tie towards Arsenal after profitable the first-leg – in hostile north London territory – 2-0.

However Howe will you should definitely have retained recollections of the membership’s sluggish begin to the season, doubtless a by-product of the irritating summer season switch window that noticed key targets in defence and on the wing missed out.

Implementing an environment friendly switch technique is vital. Whereas quite a few areas of the squad want strengthening, Martin Dubravka’s expected transfer to the Saudi Pro League requires a brand new shot-stopper, with Nick Pope missing the past six matches and nonetheless some weeks away from a comeback.

Rumours abound, with Newcastle seemingly gearing up for a January signing.

Newcastle’s plans between the sticks

Newcastle have an overload within the goalkeeping division however Odysseas Vlachodimos’ arrival was PSR-related and John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie usually are not of the required stage.

As per TEAMtalk, Newcastle have shortlisted Burnley’s James Trafford as a participant who may compete with Pope over the approaching years, nevertheless, there may very well be a greater various to boost the Tyneside venture.

This week, transfer insider Ben Jacobs revealed that Newcastle are additionally occupied with signing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher this yr.

This follows a report earlier than the brand new yr that United have concrete curiosity within the Irishman, who was valued at £35m last summer amid curiosity from Chelsea.

Kelleher is within the penultimate yr of his Anfield contract and won’t be extending as he appears to be like for a number-one spot between the sticks. Newcastle have a superb alternative right here to strike.

Why Howe ought to signal Caoimhin Kelleher

With Alisson Becker commonly choosing up accidents over the previous few seasons, Kelleher has been immense for Liverpool. His skipper, Virgil van Dijk, has even called him “world-class.”

Kelleher joined Liverpool’s academy from Ringmahon Rangers in the summertime of 2015 and has gone on to feature 60 times for the primary staff, profitable a bunch of trophies.

He is all the time been backup, nevertheless, and seeks a way forward for prominence as a membership’s essential man. On condition that Pope is a number of months away from his thirty third birthday and scuffling with accidents, Newcastle would possibly simply have the proper route for the 26-year-old.

It would not be the primary time that Newcastle have benefitted from a Merseyside academy star since Howe was anointed as Steve Bruce’s successor, with Kelleher maybe able to comply with in Anthony Gordon‘s footsteps.

Gordon was a member of Liverpool’s youth system earlier than being released as an 11-year-old and rehousing himself with Everton, the place he stayed till Newcastle signed him for a £45m fee in January 2023.

Talking to Everton’s club website, Gordon stated: “It was one other probability for me to develop. However that was laborious. It affected me mentally and dented my confidence. I needed to decide myself up and go once more. Once I received to Everton, I by no means seemed again.”

He’d doubtless say the identical factor and extra now that he is thriving as considered one of Newcastle’s most necessary gamers, topped the membership’s Participant of the 12 months for 2023/24 after posting 12 goals and 11 assists throughout all competitions.

In goalkeeping phrases, Kelleher continues to be a fledgling at 26 years outdated, and although he is made his title at Liverpool and will but be topped a Premier League champion this time period having performed a big function, at St. James’ Park he may foster his skills and know that his place wouldn’t come underneath risk for the lengthy prime of his profession.

Town holds a deep-rooted love for the Scouser and have been Kelleher to comply with in his footsteps, he would discover a wonderful probability to earn an analogous status.

After all, if Dubravka is to be bought within the coming weeks, Newcastle chiefs would possibly fancy touchdown a substitute instantaneously, and Liverpool will not be on board with that concept, for Kelleher’s substitute, Giorgi Mamardashvili, is enjoying out the rest of the present marketing campaign with mortgage membership Valencia earlier than linking up with Arne Slot’s squad this summer season.

Nevertheless, Newcastle usually are not in grave hazard of upsetting the Premier League’s revenue and sustainability guidelines and would possibly simply discover that Dubravka’s sale opens up a window from which Kelleher will be pursued.

Newcastle have already confirmed by means of Gordon that they’re able to shaping Merseyside’s expertise into one thing of excessive distinction.

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Furthermore, Howe was eager on bolstering his backline with the signing of Joe Gomez throughout the low season, so there’s clearly a recognition of the standard probably accessible.

He positively is aware of about Kelleher’s expertise, however then, so do many extra suitors in addition to, talking firmly of the positive aspects that may be claimed by means of an incisive winter acquisition.

Save after save after save. He is a giant recreation participant, this Irish keeper, and as Newcastle edge nearer to maintained challenges for silverware, such a ability set and character may very well be precisely what Howe wants.

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