‘Excellent’ goalkeeper is now training with non-league side after being linked with Newcastle earlier this summer

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Newcastle have already signed two new goalkeepers so far this summer, but they could have gone down a different route earlier in the transfer window.

Newcastle have had a shake-up of their goalkeeper ranks this summer with Loris Karius departing the club and the arrivals of Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy on Tyneside. Further changes are anticipated with Martin Dubravka widely expected to leave the club.

The Magpies’ summer has been a busy one with the club working hard to adhere to the Profit and Sustainability Rules set by the Premier League, they did so by selling Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton respectively.

Newcastle are busy trying to reshape their squad ahead of the new season and identified the goalkeeper position as one that needed to be refreshed.

Newcastle showed an interest in Begovic this summer

Before confirming the signings of Vlachodimos and Ruddy, Newcastle had shown interest in Begovic, as reported by the Shields Gazette. At the time the Bosnian, who Jose Mourinho once called ‘excellent‘, was identified as a potential replacement for third-choice ‘keeper Karius.

Begovic was seen as an attractive option for Newcastle given he would have arrived on a free transfer, following the expiration of his QPR contract. Instead, the club opted for Ruddy after his Birmingham City contract came to an end.

The reasons behind Newcastle’s decision to go down a different route are unclear, but it is now evident with the arrival of Ruddy, that the Magpies were keen on bringing in a ‘keeper with vast experience.

Begovic pictured training with Aldershot Town

Following Begovic’s release by QPR, for whom he appeared 46 times for the club last season, he has recently been pictured training with National League side, Aldershot Town.

There is no suggestion that Begovic will sign for Aldershot, he is simply training with the club to keep fit over the summer while he searches for his new venture for the time being.

But it does show how differently things could have been this summer for Begovic, had Newcastle decided to sign him when they were linked earlier in the transfer window.