Newcastle work on goalkeeper signing amid ‘big’ Eddie Howe reveal
Eddie Howe is a “big fan” of Aaron Ramsdale as Newcastle United weigh up spending £25million on a new goalkeeper this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Ramsdale looks certain to leave Southampton with their relegation back to the Championship set to be sealed as soon as 6 April, and that has alerted the likes of Newcastle and Leeds ahead of the summer.
Football Insider revealed on 5 April that Leeds want Ramsdale to be their new number one if promoted at season’s end, with the 26-year-old’s Southampton contract including a relegation release clause.
Sources have told Football Insider that this clause is worth roughly £25m, and with Ramsdale set for the Southampton exit door, Howe could be keen on a reunion with his former Bournemouth shot-stopper.
Former Manchester United and Blackburn scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Bournemouth are another of the clubs keen on signing Ramsdale, but Newcastle could also be in even greater need.
Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka will be 33 and 36 years old at the end of April, and despite the latter signing a new contract amid interest from Saudi ArabiaNewcastle are looking at long-term replacements.
Aaron Ramsdale transfer ticks every box for Eddie Howe
Sources have told Football Insider that despite Ramsdale being arguably in the poorest spell of his career and falling to the periphery of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, Howe remains a big fan of his.
With Dubravka and Pope past their respective peaks and likely to be on the outer this summer, Howe sees Ramsdale as Newcastle’s new number one, but financial constraints could hamper a move for him.
Football Insider has been told that Newcastle may not be prepared to spend £25m on a goalkeeper this summer, but with Ramsdale set to be in high demand, that release clause could prove to be a bargain.
Newcastle must solve problem position this summer
Ramsdale isn’t the only England goalkeeper who could be a new face at St. James’ next term, with Brown telling Football Insider in February that Burnley’s James Trafford is seen as Pope’s long-term successor.
Football Insider also revealed last summer that Newcastle had planned their pursuit of Trafford off the back of Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, but the Clarets look set for an immediate return.
As a result, Burnley will be in no mood to sell their number one as they look to mount their fight for survival, but with Southampton heading the other way, Ramsdale will be billed as a more realistic target.