Newcastle make Aaron Ramsdale transfer plan as Eddie Howe’s priority revealed
Newcastle United could make Aaron Ramsdale’s loan deal permanent in the summer transfer window despite concerns about his performances.
Newcastle agreed an option to buy the 27-year-old when taking him on loan from Southampton this summer, and could be tempted to trigger that option.
Ramsdale has made 15 appearances so far this season and has come into the starting XI to replace the injured Nick Pope, whose performances had also raised questions.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that signing a new goalkeeper is not one of Eddie Howe’s priorities next summer.
As a result, he could stick with his current options of Pope and Ramsdale as Newcastle ramp up their transfer plans in other areas of the pitch.
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VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUBNewcastle make new plan for Aaron Ramsdale deal
Ramsdale has failed to keep a clear sheer in seven league appearances so far for Newcastle, and conceded three last time out in their 3-2 defeat against Everton.
Despite some concerns about whether he is the “elite-level” goalkeeper the Magpies would like, there is a feeling his loan deal could still be made permanent.
“It’s a bit of a strange situation with Aaron Ramsdale,” Brown told Football Insider.
“I don’t think he’s an elite-level goalkeeper. He’s a good one, he’s good with his feet and he’s a good shot-stopper, but he’s not quite at that top level.
“There’s a reason Arsenal went and bought Raya to replace him, for example.
“For Newcastle, he’s come into the team recently and done a decent enough job despite their results which have led to a few concerns.
“But I don’t think signing a new goalkeeper is going to be at the top of their list, Eddie Howe has other positions he would like to strengthen first.
“So looking at it, the Ramsdale deal would be a pretty easy one for them to complete and it would mean they go into next season with the same two goalkeepers.
“I don’t think that would be the end of the world for them if it then allows them to focus their efforts elsewhere, and I think that’s what they’re now planning to do.”
Which other goalkeepers are on Newcastle’s radar?
Ramsdale isn’t the only goalkeeper being considered for a permanent switch to St James’ Park this summer, with a number of options already on their radar.
Man City’s James Trafford is seen as an outstanding candidate for the position and is expected to leave the Etihad after growing frustrated with his lack of playing time.
However, Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Trafford is keen to join Aston Villa and could snub a move to Newcastle for the second time.
This comes after the 23-year-old’s recent comments where he insisted he is not happy playing second-fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma in the City goal.
Man City ruled out Trafford’s departure in the mid-season transfer window, but may have no other choice but to move him on after his public comments.
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