Newcastle United’s search for a new goalkeeper appears to be expanding, with the club reportedly opening talks over another option while continuing its pursuit of long-term target and Man City backup goalie James Trafford.
Considered a priority position to strengthen before and throughout the summer, a fresh report suggests the Magpies are pursuing multiple avenues to bring in a new starting No. 1 to Eddie Howe’s squad for the 2026-27 season.
According to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, Newcastle has
added Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to its shortlist and is already in talks over a potential move.
Jones also reports that discussions with Manchester City regarding Trafford are ongoing, indicating that Newcastle has not abandoned its years-long pursuit of the England international.
The Shields Gazette added that Rushworth is viewed as an alternative should Trafford prove too expensive, with Manchester City expected to demand a significant fee for the 23-year-old and the own player expected to command a hefty salary.
The 25-year-old Rushworth, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his Brighton contract and is coming off an impressive loan spell at Coventry City, where he played every Championship match as the club secured promotion. The situation could push him out of the Premier League side, considering the Seaguls already have Bart Verbruggen as the clear-cut No. 1.
Rushworth has spent his entire professional career under contract at Brighton, although he has yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for the club, instead being loaned out to Coventry, Hull City, Swansea City, Lincoln City, Walsall and Worthing at different points throughout his career.
Pending the arrival of a true starter in net, Newcastle is planning the sale of Nick Pope following the arrival of long-term option Ewen Jaouen from France.
According to Jones, talks for Rushworth are already underway, while negotiations over Trafford continue, suggesting Newcastle is ramping up their efforts to put an end to the uncertainty in net before moving on to other summer transfer business.
