Newcastle United’s search for a new first-choice goalkeeper has found an unexpected avenue as the club weighs its next move ahead of the new season.
While Manchester City’s James Trafford remains Eddie Howe’s No. 1 target for the starting goalkeeper role, Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder reported Newcastle has also held talks over Parma and Japan goalie Zion Suzuki after his representatives approached the club offering the player to the Magpies.
Ryder reported that Suzuki’s agency contacted Newcastle after
Japan’s World Cup exit, leading to talks over the 23-year-old as the Magpies assess alternatives in case a move for Trafford proves difficult.
Suzuki’s emergence also comes amid continued questions over Nick Pope’s future. The 34-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, and he’s bound to both lose the No. 1 role at Newcastle and, likely, exit the club if a replacement is found.
With Aaron Ramsdale returning to Southampton after his loan spell, John Ruddy released and Odysseas Vlachodimos departing, Newcastle need another experienced goalkeeper alongside new signing Ewen Jaouen before the Premier League campaign begins.
The Parma stopper is reportedly valued at around £17 million, with wages not expected to present an obstacle for Newcastle.
However, Newcastle face competition from Leeds United, while Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa have also been linked with the goalkeeper. According to The Leeds Press, Leeds is ready to pay £26 million, which is believed to be Parma’s asking price for the netminder.
