Newcastle United goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos is suddenly attracting transfer interest.
With the January transfer window open, Martin Dubravka felt like the most likely goalkeeper to leave Newcastle United.
The 36-year-old attracted a lot of interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Shabab making an offer for Dubravka.
However, Dubravka is now staying at Newcastle, much to the delight of Eddie Howe.
Newcastle United’s Odysseas Vlachodimos receives transfer offer
But Al-Shabab are still in the market for a goalkeeper, and have turned to the Magpies yet again.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano on X, who has stated that Al-Shabab have made an approach to sign Odysseas Vlachodimos.
However, Romano states that Vlachodimos has rejected Al-Shabab’s advances as he wants to remain in Europe.
Romano wrote on X: “Newcastle GK Odysseas Vlachodimos has turned down formal bid from Al-Shabab FC. His preference is to stay in Europe.”
How Vlachodimos currently feels at Newcastle United
News of interest from Al-Shabab comes at a time when Vlachodimos is frustrated at Newcastle United due to his lack of minutes.
The Greece international has barely featured since his £20million arrival from Nottingham Forest, with the stopper making just one appearance. That came off the bench during the Magpies’ Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon.
Surprisingly, Vlachodimos was not involved in Newcastle’s recent FA Cup win against Bromley. Instead, Dubravka retained his place in the starting XI.
There is no sniff of Vlachodimos getting a chance in Eddie Howe’s team as long as one of Nick Pope or Martin Dubravka are fit. In that respect, it is very surprising that he would turn down a move away.
However, his desire is to play in Europe, which is understandable. While the riches of the Middle East can be appealing, they cannot tempt every player.
I wonder if Al-Shabab will move on to Mark Gillespie or John Ruddy next, after missing out on two Toon goalkeepers.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
