It’s well documented that Newcastle United are in the market for a goalkeeper, whether that’s an upgrade on a recently injury-prone Nick Pope or to find a reliable back-up option as Martin Dubravka prepares to depart.
The Slovakian is close to a move to Saudi Arabia, meanwhile Nick Pope’s current knee injury that he is expected to return back from soon follows the shoulder surgery he required that ruled him out for the majority of last season.
Odysseas Vlachodimos is clearly not favoured, and John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are very unlikely to be considered for a run in between the stick so it is no surprise that we are seeing goalkeepers linked with a move to Toon this month.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle have a registered interest in Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher – who has been displaced by the returning Allisson after impressing in his stint in goal for the Reds.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Fully Loaded Transfer Show, Jacobs explained why Newcastle are on to watch in the race for frustrated Liverpool stopper:
“Kelleher at Liverpool is another [goalkeeper] that Newcastle really like. There is a market opportunity there because Mamardashvili is coming in, Alisson may well stay and Mamardashvili might not be the number one next season.
“There is no indication so far that Liverpool plan on loaning Mamardashvili out to keep it as Alisson and Kelleher next season, so Kelleher suddenly is likely to become a number three which is not something he is comfortable with. He doesn’t really want to stay as a number two either.
“We heard some reports that Chelsea might come in the mix for Kelleher, but I am told there is some substance to Newcastle and Kelleher.”
Not the first time he’s been linked, the Irishman may well be inclined to force his way out of Anfield if he is to be dropped down to third choice to favour previous Newcastle target Mamardashvili.
Form for Liverpool when he’s stepped in for Alisson has been impressive, suggesting he’s more than good enough to be a reliable, regular starter in the Premier League with little flaws to his game. Liverpool clearly don’t consider him a future starter and it would be a shock if he doesn’t move in the next two windows.
From a Newcastle perspective, it could make perfect sense to be considering the 26-year-old if a reasonable fee can be agreed upon as the pathway to being first choice is quite clear with Pope now 32 and picking up his fair share of injuries.
James Trafford is another player who is clearly on our radar, but a mid-season move seems unlikely with Burnley in no position to spell as they find themselves embroiled in a tight promotion race.
We were unable to come to an agreement with the Clarets over the summer and matters would only be more complicated considering their current situation. If they fail to return to the Premier League, it would be expected we revisit a move for the Englishman this summer.