With no signings expected in January, Newcastle United will be planning for a big summer transfer window head, and Danny Murphy thinks he’s got the perfect player to take us to the next level.
The hope for supporters is that we are taking a risk in not spending in January in order to save our money and go big in pursuing our primary targets, instead of wasting the budget on someone who may or may not fit.
Murphy backs Toon to sign Liverpool stopper
There have been so many names linked to Newcastle that it’s difficult to tell the difference between the ones we are really fond of and the ones whose agents are just trying to spark interest.
Liverpool man Caoimhin Kelleher has been suggested on a number of occasions as Eddie Howe looks to find a successor to Nick Pope who has been a valuable player, but his on-the-ball ability has been a huge flaw in his game.
BBC pundit Danny Murphy thinks that the time is now right for Kelleher to move on and that Newcastle could be the perfect destination for the Ireland international.
On Kelleher, Murphy said: “I think next season at Liverpool we will have Alisson starting and Giorgi Mamardashvili on the bench with Caoimhin Kelleher leaving.
“My understanding is that Kelleher will leave and there won’t be short of takers, he is an outstanding goalkeeper and deserves the chance to go and be a number one.
“I think he will get a really good move and Alisson will have a season in front of Mamardashvili to help him learn and get settled.
“Where could Kelleher go? I think probably Newcastle, if they’re thinking of evolving as a club and becoming more competitive.
“Nick Pope has been a great keeper over the years but having more injuries at the minute and he’s not the best with his feet. He’ll admit that himself. I think for Kelleher, Newcastle or Chelsea are two wonderful options for him.”
Although he’s often been benched behind Alisson, the 26-year-old has gained valuable in experience in both the Premier League and Champions League in the last few years when the Brazillian has been injured.
There’s bound to be a number of clubs looking to bring him in, but the money we can offer and the potential of European qualification could be huge if we pursue his signature.
Newcastle set for goalkeeping overhaul?
Although some may argue there are more important positions we need to improve in, Martin Dubravka’s return to the team has shown just how important it is to have a keeper even just remotely confident on the ball.
That could mean we look to cash in on the former Burnley man this summer, while Dubravka is also likely to leave with the 36-year-old’s contract expiring in July.
John Ruddy’s deal also ends in the summer and Odysseas Vlachodimos clearly isn’t favoured by Howe, who has opted for Dubravka over the former Benfica man at every opportunity.
That may mean we could be set to see an overhaul of the goalkeeping department, but it is so important that we don’t get too caught up in finding one who can play with the ball at his feet, as we’ve seen it go so wrong for so many teams.
Aye – let’s get Trafford as well.
Nothing would be more impressive than 6 or 7 keepers in the squad.
BykerBill(Quote)
Stick to the Butchers Bill
Dubravka leaving pope being sold and Ruddy with h a contract that expires in the summer
Reading is not your strongpoint obvs
Toon(Quote)