Newcastle United are reportedly considering a transfer for Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
The Sun have claimed the Magpies sent their top scout to watch him in the Europa League last week.
Strakosha is out of contract next summer.
The pressure is, therefore, on for the Serie A club to sell him in January, or lose him for nothing at the end of the season.
Strakosha would supposedly like to move, with Pepe Reina currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
So far this season, the star – who has said in the past he tries to copy Manuel Neuer’s game (talkSPORT) – has only played Europa League games.
The report comes after transfer links to Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and also Dean Henderson of Manchester United.
Strakosha has previously raved about the Premier League, stating it has ‘the ‘best football’ and ‘crazy moments’ (via The Laziali).
It is perhaps surprising to read about links to a new goalkeeper.
Realistically, there are positions that need tending to before the goalkeeper.
A couple of new centre-backs, a creative midfielder and another striker should all be on the agenda.
Strakosha shouldn’t be a priority for Newcastle
Strakosha should not be a priority for Newcastle in January.
What needs to happen is for Martin Dubravka to replace Karl Darlow in the starting XI, and for the situation to be revisited in the summer.
Dubravka has been a solid signing on the whole since his arrival back in 2018 – initially on loan.
Newcastle’s defence looks more assured when he is playing. Some fans have already called for his return now that he is fit again.
Perhaps if one of Darlow or Freddie Woodman leaves then Newcastle should bring him in.
But realistically, Newcastle need to focus on other areas – two central defenders, at least, should be the priority.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
