Gregor Kobel: Newcastle ahead of Chelsea in race to secure Borussia Dortmund deal for ‘huge fee’
Gregor Kobel is more likely to move to Newcastle United than he is to Chelsea this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a switch to either of the Premier League duo in recent days, and it is understood that the Magpies are best-placed to potentially secure a deal.
Chelsea are set to give Strasbourg loanee Mike Penders the chance to impress when he returns, while Newcastle are in the market for a new number one.
However, sources have indicated that it would take a “huge fee” for Dortmund to contemplate selling the Swiss international, who has been one of the Bundesliga’s top ‘keepers in recent years.
Newcastle’s plans to sign a ‘keeper are clear heading into the window, but they have plenty of work to do if they want Kobel to be their man.
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VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUBChampions League football to provide Gregor Kobel issue
Newcastle appear increasingly unlikely to have Champions League football on the table next season, as they are still seven points behind Liverpool in fifth spot, which is likely to become an additional place for the Premier League.
Eddie Howe’s side are running out of time if they are to mount a late push to book their place in Europe’s premier club competition once again, and that is set to have a big effect on their pursuit of Kobel.
| Stats | Gregor Kobel | Aaron Ramsdale | Nick Pope |
| Apps | 28 | 10 | 22 |
| Clean Sheets | 13 | 1 | 7 |
| Save Percentage | 72% | 61.8% | 67.7% |
| Saves per 90 | 2.57 | 2.3 | 3.07 |
| Goals Prevented | 3.51 | -1.69 | -2.82 |
| Goals Conceded per 90 | 1 | 1.42 | 1.46 |
The 28-year-old is expected to want to play the top level of European football if he does decide to leave Dortmund this summer, and that may not be on offer at St James’ Park.
The Tynesiders have ambitions of pushing on to challenge the established elite of the Premier League on a regular basis, but they have left their supporters frustrated with the lack of progress on the pitch this term.
Their business in last summer’s transfer window has since faced its fair share of criticism, but they are still facing challenges when it comes to secure their first-choice targets this time around.
Kieran Trippier decides next move after Newcastle exit
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Kieran Trippier has decided on his next move after his Newcastle exit at the end of the season was confirmed last week.
The veteran right-back is expected to have a wide array of options available to him when he becomes a free agent, with clubs in the Premier League, MLS and Saudi Pro League ready to put offers on the table for him.
However, the 35-year-old has got his heart set on another move abroad, having previously enjoyed over two years in Spain with Atletico Madrid.
Trippier still has a few games remaining at St James’ Park before he heads off to a new challenge, but exactly where that challenge will be remains to be seen at the moment.
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