Newcastle set to move for RC Lens star Robin Risser - Report
Newcastle United are being heavily tipped to have a busy summer in the transfer market once again after what has been an inconsistent season to say the least.
There's still time for Newcastle to pull something out of the bag before this campaign comes to a close, but unless we go on to lift the Champions League trophy, it's not likely to be a season that will live long in the memory.
Without the help of a sporting director, Eddie Howe took over transfer duties in the summer while dealing with the awkward Alexander Isak situation. With split focus, Newcastle's transfer approach wasn't exactly great, and it's safe to say that results have varied on the back of a turbulent summer and quiet January.
With Ross Wilson on board this year, we're expecting a much more focused, deliberate transfer window and one that will hopefully see business being done early in order to give new recruits time to settle before the season starts.
Newcastle move for RC Lens stopper?
One area Newcastle need to recruit is a new goalkeeper, and it looks like the Magpies have their sights set on Ligue 1.
According to Sacha Tavolieri’s exclusive for Sky Sports Belgium, Newcastle United are planning a summer move for RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser.
He reports that 'initial contacts' have already taken place to sound out a deal for the 21-year-old, with the player's camp in discussions with a PIF representative over a potential end-of-season transfer.
It's thought Risser could cost Newcastle up to £35 million, which is a hefty outlay for a goalkeeper, but at just 21, he's got a lot of years ahead of him and he could be seen as a sound investment for the future, much like former target James Trafford.
Tavolieri claims that Risser's height (1.93m/6'3") appeals to Newcastle's scouts, giving him the potential to command his box, as well as his kicking ability, which is something the Magpies lack with their current No 1.
It's believed the France Under-21 star also has the potential to take his game to the next level under Eddie Howe, just as we've seen with Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, who also arrived at a similar age.
New No.1 essential this summer
Eddie Howe seems to have lost a bit of confidence in Nick Pope after a series of big errors this season, and while Aaron Ramsdale did keep a clean sheet at the weekend, he's hardly done much to convince anyone that he's the long term solution.
With that in mind, it's likely that Newcastle won't take up the option to make Ramsdale's loan move permanent following his switch from Southampton last summer.
If Newcastle do go for Risser, we imagine Nick Pope would once again retain the No 1 jersey while Risser gets acclimatised to the Premier League. Risser would likely find himself in goal for cup games like Ramsdale was this season, before stepping in for Pope when he was injured, or dropping clangers.
It's early days yet, but it's good to see that we aren't putting all of our eggs in the James Trafford basket again.
