Newcastle United’s search for a new first-choice goalkeeper has expanded beyond Manchester City’s James Trafford.
According to Chronicle Live’s Lee Ryder, Newcastle is interested in Japan international Zion Suzuki, and the club has already held discussions with the Parma goalkeeper representatives after they made contact with the club.
“Chronicle Live understands that the player’s agency has been in touch with Newcastle and a discussion has taken place on the 23-year-old,” Ryder reported.
However, Newcastle
has not yet made a final decision on whether to pursue Suzuki even though the club has monitored him closely of late. Per Ryder, senior scout Mick Tait watched the goalkeeper help Japan defeat England 1-0 at Wembley in March.
Suzuki then started four World Cup matches before Japan was eliminated by Brazil in the round of 32.
“He is valued at around £17m and is within budget for the Magpies with wages not thought to be a problem,” Ryder reported. “However, with competition for his services, United will need to make a quick call.”
According to Ryder, Paris Saint-Germain, Aston Villa and Leeds United have also held talks over Suzuki, who is expected to leave Parma this summer. That said, Aston Villa won’t sell Emi Martinez this summer, which pretty much rules them out of the race from the get-go.
James Trafford, meanwhile, remains Newcastle’s No. 1 target for the position, but the Cityzens goalkeeper will not talk or enter discussions about his future until England’s World Cup campaign ends and he’s back home, where he’s expected to speak with new City manager Enzo Maresca to get a better picture of his future.
What is getting clearer is that Nick Pope’s future in Tyneside remains uncertain, to say the least, and that his days in Newcastle sure look like they’re numbered.
With Aaron Ramsdale, John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos gone, Newcastle must now decide whether to wait for Trafford or move quickly for Suzuki if they want a bona fide No. 1 in net to start next season.
