Eddie Howe must go all-out for Thomas Strakosha as Newcastle land boost for Lazio ace

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Newcastle United have landed a boost in the club’s reported pursuit of Thomas Strakosha, as Calciomercato claim the Lazio star’s transfer to Torino is becoming increasingly unlikely.

Strakosha is set to leave the Stadio Olimpico at the end of the season after failing to agree a new contract with the Biancocelesti. The Albania goalkeeper has been at the Serie A side since 2012 after arriving during his youth. But he should now embark on a fresh challenge.

Torino were eager to explore the 27-year-old’s situation as head coach Ivan Juric targets a new shot-stopper. But Il Toro are moving away from acquiring Strakosha, as Juric has now indicated his preference would be to sign Alex Meret of Napoli or Cagliari’s Alessio Cragno.

Torino remain in touch with Strakosha’s camp to stay in the loop in case moves for Meret or Cragno collapse. But only if both avenues fall through will Juric now give the green light to Strakosha’s arrival. Even though he has 10 clean sheets in 23 games so far this season.

Howe must go all-out for Strakosha as Newcastle land boost for Lazio ace

Juric withholding Torino’s interest in Strakosha hands Eddie Howe a big boost ahead of the summer transfer window with Newcastle also interested in the Lazio stopper. Reports by Il Messaggero in March cited the Toon and Watford as possible options for the 19-cap star.

Strakosha also dreams of a Premier League transfer, and TuttoMercatoWEB note the soon-to-be free agent is only chasing a €2m-a-year (£32k-a/w) net contract, plus a €2.5m (£2m) signing bonus. Terms that fall within the remit United chiefs intend to stick to this summer.

On Thursday, The Athletic reported that while Howe wants a new goalkeeper, Newcastle will not spend a ‘significant portion’ of the club’s budget on the position – making a move to sign Strakosha in a free transfer once his Lazio contract expires this June a no-brainer.

The Athens-born goalie – who ex-Lazio coach Alberto Bollini calls ‘extraordinary’ – will not cost a fortune. He also has experience of competing in the upper echelon of Serie A and in the Europa League. Strakosha has featured 27 times and has seven clean sheets in Europe.

So, given his path to Torino is rescinding and Newcastle’s budgetary desires, Howe must go all-out to sign Strakosha in a free transfer once his Lazio contract expires to solve his quest.