Newcastle to sign former Chelsea stopper? - Surprise claims on Saturday afternoon

According to reports this afternoon, Newcastle United are all set to sign experienced goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on a free transfer.

This comes from SportMedia1, who claim the 36-year-old stopper's move to St James' Park is a 'done deal' following Loris Karius' release.

The Bosnian left QPR at the end of the 2023/25 season and has bags of Premier League experience, previously playing for Chelsea, Everton, Stoke City and Bournemouth; where he worked under current Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.

If these claims on Begovic prove to be true, he would surely arrive as our third-choice goalkeeper and step into Karius' role, with Gillespie fourth choice and James Trafford coming in as our immediate competition for No.1 Nick Pope.

Newcastle remain locked in talks to sign Trafford from Burnley after having an opening bid in the region of £15-£16m rejected by the Clarets. It seems he is the preferred target when it comes to a young shot-stopper.