Newcastle line up approach for first team giant from European heavyweights – report

Wed 4 October 2017 13:51, UK

By Russell Edge

Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, according to a report.

French football magazine France Football claim on their website that the Magpies are joined by Italian giants Juventus in monitoring the 24-year-old.

The shot stopper, who is a graduate of the youth system at PSG, has established himself as the first choice goalkeeper at his home club, ahead of German international Kevin Trapp.

Standing at a giant 6’5″ (195cm), he has made 40 appearances for the French heavyweights, appearing in all 11 of his side’s fixtures this season.

He is yet to make an appearance for the French national side, acting as understudy to Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris, and is contracted at the club until 2019.

However that could change in the near future, with the report stating that PSG are looking to extend his contract, although initial proposals were reportedly rejected by the goalkeeper.

Football Insider verdict

It would appear that despite having three goalkeepers on his books, and another out on loan, Rafael Benitez is still not satisfied with his options between the sticks. He was heavily linked with a move for a shot stopper over the summer, with former Liverpool star Pepe Reina seeming the most likely signing, but the Spanish manager ended up starting the season with the same options at his disposal. Areola is still a young goalkeeper and his arrival would cast doubts over the future of Freddie Woodman, despite having helped England lift the under-21 World Cup over the summer. Still, if he does not have faith in Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow, who are evidently his top two choices, then Areola may take one of their spots if he does come through the doors at St James’ Park.