Newcastle United make surprising new contract decision days after Eddie Howe’s promise

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Eddie Howe has confirmed that Newcastle United will soon look to address their situation in the goalkeeping department.  

Indeed, Newcastle United have five senior goalkeepers on the books. The Newcastle United squad is littered with them right now, while another could even arrive come the summer. 

Newcastle are interested in signing James Trafford from Burnley, which would make it six. While a number of them don’t actually play in the first-team, it already feels excessive even before the potential arrival of Trafford.  

Earlier this week, Howe confirmed Newcastle will look at their goalkeeper options, which makes reports from journalist Joel Bland all the more interesting.  

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Newcastle United to hand John Ruddy a new contract

According to Bland on social media platform X, John Ruddy could be in line for a new contract at the club.  

The 38-year-old has not made a single competitive appearance since arriving from Birmingham on a free transfer on a one-year deal last summer.

Ruddy, a former England international, has only ever appeared in nine matchday squads too.  

Still, Bland claims the club value his impact behind the scenes and it’s now seen as likely he will stay at St James’ Park next season.  

Eddie Howe will be buzzing about Newcastle United contract news

Howe wanted to keep Ruddy at Newcastle, despite the fact he’s only there in a back-up role behind the scenes. 

With that in mind, it stands to reason the Newcastle United manager would be pleased with the news the veteran looks set to extend his stay at the club. 

What that means for the goalkeepers, however, remains to be seen.

Odysseas Vlachodimos looks the most sellable asset out of Ruddy, Martin Dubravka and Mark Gillespie. Leeds are interested in Nick Pope, though it’s hard to imagine Howe wanting to sell him even if Trafford arrives given all he’s done on Tyneside since arriving from Burnley.  

No matter what happens, however, it seems Ruddy is set to stay.