Newcastle may signal £35m ace who Van Dijk referred to as “world-class”

All is nicely inside Eddie Howe’s squad. Newcastle United have began 2025 on sturdy footing, however a lot is happening away from the pitch as Paul Mitchell seems to keep up the Toon’s stage over so a few years.

The brand new 12 months has definitely began off with a bang, with Newcastle in control of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie towards Arsenal after profitable the first-leg – in hostile north London territory – 2-0.

However Howe will be sure you have retained recollections of the membership’s sluggish begin to the season, possible a by-product of the irritating summer season switch window that noticed key targets in defence and on the wing missed out.

Implementing an environment friendly switch technique is essential. Whereas quite a few areas of the squad want strengthening, Martin Dubravka’s anticipated switch to the Saudi Professional League requires a brand new shot-stopper, with Nick Pope lacking the previous six matches and nonetheless some weeks away from a comeback.

Rumours abound, with Newcastle seemingly gearing up for a January signing.

Newcastle’s plans between the sticks

Newcastle have an overload within the goalkeeping division however Odysseas Vlachodimos’ arrival was PSR-related and John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are usually not of the required stage.

As per TEAMtalk, Newcastle have shortlisted Burnley’s James Trafford as a participant who may compete with Pope over the approaching years, nonetheless, there may very well be a greater different to boost the Tyneside mission.

This week, switch insider Ben Jacobs revealed that Newcastle are additionally excited by signing Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher this 12 months.

This follows a report earlier than the brand new 12 months that United have concrete curiosity within the Irishman, who was valued at £35m final summer season amid curiosity from Chelsea.

Kelleher is within the penultimate 12 months of his Anfield contract and won’t be extending as he seems for a number-one spot between the sticks. Newcastle have a wonderful alternative right here to strike.

Why Howe ought to signal Caoimhin Kelleher

With Alisson Becker repeatedly choosing up accidents over the previous few seasons, Kelleher has been immense for Liverpool. His skipper, Virgil van Dijk, has even referred to as him “world-class.”

Kelleher joined Liverpool’s academy from Ringmahon Rangers in the summertime of 2015 and has gone on to characteristic 60 occasions for the primary crew, profitable a bunch of trophies.

He is all the time been backup, nonetheless, and seeks a way forward for prominence as a membership’s predominant man. Provided that Pope is just a few months away from his thirty third birthday and fighting accidents, Newcastle may simply have the right route for the 26-year-old.

It would not be the primary time that Newcastle have benefitted from a Merseyside academy star since Howe was anointed as Steve Bruce’s successor, with Kelleher maybe ready to observe in Anthony Gordon’s footsteps.

Gordon was a member of Liverpool’s youth system earlier than being launched as an 11-year-old and rehousing himself with Everton, the place he stayed till Newcastle signed him for a £45m price in January 2023.

Talking to Everton’s membership web site, Gordon mentioned: “It was one other likelihood for me to develop. However that was onerous. It affected me mentally and dented my confidence. I needed to choose myself up and go once more. Once I acquired to Everton, I by no means regarded again.”

He’d possible say the identical factor and extra now that he is thriving as considered one of Newcastle’s most vital gamers, topped the membership’s Participant of the Yr for 2023/24 after posting 12 targets and 11 assists throughout all competitions.

In goalkeeping phrases, Kelleher continues to be a fledgling at 26 years outdated, and although he is made his identify at Liverpool and will but be topped a Premier League champion this time period having performed a major function, at St. James’ Park he may foster his abilities and know that his place wouldn’t come below risk for the lengthy prime of his profession.

The town holds a deep-rooted love for the Scouser and had been Kelleher to observe in his footsteps, he would discover a superb likelihood to earn an analogous repute.

After all, if Dubravka is to be offered within the coming weeks, Newcastle chiefs may fancy touchdown a substitute instantaneously, and Liverpool is probably not on board with that concept, for Kelleher’s substitute, Giorgi Mamardashvili, is taking part in out the rest of the present marketing campaign with mortgage membership Valencia earlier than linking up with Arne Slot’s squad this summer season.

Nonetheless, Newcastle are usually not in grave hazard of upsetting the Premier League’s revenue and sustainability guidelines and may simply discover that Dubravka’s sale opens up a window from which Kelleher may be pursued.

Newcastle have already confirmed by way of Gordon that they’re able to shaping Merseyside’s expertise into one thing of excessive distinction.

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Furthermore, Howe was eager on bolstering his backline with the signing of Joe Gomez through the low season, so there’s clearly a recognition of the standard doubtlessly out there.

He undoubtedly is aware of about Kelleher’s expertise, however then, so do many extra suitors moreover, talking firmly of the positive aspects that might be claimed by way of an incisive winter acquisition.

Save after save after save. He is an enormous recreation participant, this Irish keeper, and as Newcastle edge nearer to maintained challenges for silverware, such a ability set and character may very well be precisely what Howe wants.

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