According to The Mail, Newcastle are attempting to beat West Ham to a deal for PSG goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
The 29-year-old spent last season on loan with the Hammers, who’ve been in talks to bring him in on a permanent deal worth £7.6m.
However, The Mail report that Newcastle have showed ‘late interest’ in the Frenchman and are attempting to hijack his proposed move.
Talks between the player and West Ham are said to have ‘stalled’ as a result of our last ditch interest, although the report states that the Irons remain ‘hopeful’ he’ll sign, believing the pull of London will convince him to stay.
Areola has been tipped replace 37-year-old stopper Lukasz Fabianski, although doubts over his game time could remain given the Polish international often started ahead of him during the 2021/22 season.
After recent links with Dean Henderson, Yann Sommer, Diogo Costa and Kasper Schmeichel, it seems Howe really might be in the market for a new goalkeeper, making Areola another one to watch – especially if the former Real Madrid man is available for less than £8m!
Why would we? I think agents use Newcastle’s pretend interest to negotiate better terms for their clients.
Glenn Gregory(Quote)