Newcastle plotting move for proven performer from PL rivals – report
By Danny Wright
Newcastle are plotting a move for West Ham goalkeeper Adrian, according to a report.
The Mirror claims that the Magpies are eager to raid their Premier League rivals after missing out on Joe Hart, who has recently signed a season-long loan deal at the London Stadium.
It is understood that Crystal Palace are also weighing up an approach for Adrian, 30, who has emerged as West Ham’s No 1 goalkeeper in recent seasons.
The Spanish shot-stopper has proven himself as a capable top-flight performer ever since he signed from Real Betis in 2013.
Since then, Adrian has made over 100 appearances in the Premier League and kept 33 clean sheets.
He is now understood to be eyeing up a spot in Spain’s 2018 World Cup squad next summer, but with Hart now in Slaven Bilic’s squad, he will find it hard to get first-team football.
The Mirror reports that Newcastle are also keeping tabs on Adrian’s team mate Darren Randolph as Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his options in the goalkeeping position ahead of next season.
Football Insider Verdict
Benitez’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper is very strange and it seems to be taking up a lot of his time in this transfer window. Newcastle have to go big on signing a new striker, otherwise they will find it hard to get goals next season and that can lead to teams being relegated. However the Spaniard seems eager on a new No 1, when he already has capable options to play between the sticks in Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Tim Krul. It’s fair to say that one or two of the current goalkeepers at St. James’ Park would be willing to talk after Benitez has made a clear statement that he wants to replace them. Newcastle fans could start to get worried about this pursuit.
In other Newcastle news, this 22-year-old is undergoing a medical with the Magpies.
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