Newcastle are now thinking about signing ‘fantastic’ Southampton player this summer

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Newcastle United are looking to take advantage of the free agent market this summer, as they eye yet another player whose contract is expiring.

The Magpies are already close to agreeing a deal for Tosin Adarabioyo, who is interested in a move to St James’ Park to work with Eddie Howe. And he could be joined by Lloyd Kelly, who is also a major target for Newcastle United heading into the summer.

It would be great business if Newcastle can sign two top players on frees, as it will allow the club to spend more money elsewhere. It is vital that the Magpies stretch their budget as far as they can, as they look to improve a squad that needs a bit of TLC after a tough season.

Another position that they need reinforcements in is goalkeeper, and that could give Toon officials a third chance to bring in a free agent.

Newcastle linked with signing Alex McCarthy

With Loris Karius due to leave once his contract expires and Martin Dubravka possibly being sold, Newcastle United will need to sign a goalkeeper this summer.

Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal is being heavily linked, but a new report from the Daily Mail suggests that the Magpies could bring in someone more experienced.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are considering a move for Southampton stopper Alex McCarthy.

The 34-year-old is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, and is attracting interest from the likes of Celtic and Liverpool. Newcastle are also reportedly keeping an eye on the situation, with McCarthy viewed as a cheaper alternative to Ramsdale.

McCarthy impressed against Newcastle four years ago

McCarthy is a very experienced goalkeeper, and someone who played in the top flight a lot for Southampton. He had spells as their first choice stopper in the Premier League, one of which was in 2020.

On March 7th 2020, he was in inspired form as he did his best to deny a Newcastle United team that were still finding their feet under Steve Bruce.

Goals were not really flowing, but it was not for the lack of trying on this occasion. Bruce’s side created plenty of chances at St Mary’s, only to be denied by McCarthy. He even saved a penalty from Matt Ritchie, and was described as ‘fantastic‘ by his manager at the time Ralph Hasenhuttl.

In the end, the Magpies won 1-0 thanks to Allan Saint-Maximin, in what was their final game before the global pandemic led to football being put on hold.

Free transfer could be good business for Newcastle

If McCarthy were to arrive, he would be backup to Nick Pope. With all due respect, he is not going to challenge the 32-year-old for a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.

But he would be a decent reserve option, and allow Newcastle to spend more money elsewhere. If they can get two centre-backs and a goalkeeper on a free, that is three important positions filled without spending a penny – other than the wages, signing on fees and agent fees, of course.

That would mean Newcastle have more money to invest elsewhere, which could allow them to bring in a marquee signing to play on the right of attack. That is where the majority of the Magpies’ summer budget should go, and a deal like this would help that become a reality.