Eddie Howe personally really likes 23-year-old player but he could cost Newcastle £85m

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Newcastle United could be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer, and appear to have identified a possible signing.

The Magpies are currently without first choice stopper Nick Pope due to injury, and his absence is proving to be a major issue.

Martin Dubravka has taken his place, but has struggled to have the same impact as Pope in between the sticks.

It has led to claims that Toon officials could look to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, with the idea of bringing in someone who is as good as Pope, or at least has the potential to reach his level.

And they may have found just that after a few scouting missions in Spain.

Newcastle looking at Giorgi Mamardashvili

According to the Times, Newcastle United are interested in Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili after scouting the Georgia international on multiple occasions.

They add that Toon boss Eddie Howe is a ‘big fan’ of the 23-year-old, and that a deal for the stopper would be viewed as a large ‘signal of intent’.

He certainly fits the profile of what Newcastle are looking for. He is the ideal age, and could be the Magpies’ starting stopper for the next decade.

But a deal certainly will not come cheap. It was recently reported that Mamardashvili has a release clause in his Valencia contract worth £85million. That figure would make him Newcastle United’s most expensive signing ever, eclipsing the £63million fee that Alexander Isak cost from Real Sociedad.

You would like to think Newcastle would be able to negotiate a cheaper deal, otherwise this one is surely a non-starter. The Magpies need a bit of a rebuild this summer, but profit and sustainability rules are going to hinder us – like they are for every Premier League club. Therefore, splashing out that much money on a goalkeeper might be unwise.

But Mamardashvili is an exciting talent, and has done very well for Valencia since joining the Spanish side in 2021.