Journalist Ben Jacobs suggests Newcastle United could beat Chelsea to the signature of a Premier League star.
While Eddie Howe has warned January could be quiet, there are still a few areas Newcastle United want to improve this month.
As always, the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules threaten to derail Newcastle’s transfer window, but the Magpies are preparing to sell before buying.
One deal that looks close to completion is Martin Dubravka leaving Newcastle this month to join the Saudi Pro League. Reports suggest he could leave Tyneside after Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
Howe and Paul Mitchell have had their fair share of differences at Newcastle, but both will want a new goalkeeper to arrive to replace Dubravka, and Newcastle’s latest target is a Liverpool star.
Newcastle United could beat Chelsea to Caoimhin Kelleher
Goalkeeper deals dominated Newcastle’s summer transfer window with Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy arriving, and it seems January could be more of the same.
With Dubravka on his way out, journalist Ben Jacobs reports that there is “substance” to Newcastle making a move for out-of-favour Liverpool shot-stopper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Newcastle have been tracking Kelleher ahead of the January window, with the Republic of Ireland international eager to become a first-choice keeper at a top-flight club.
Speaking on the Fully Loaded Transfer Show, Jacobs revealed that Kelleher is uncomfortable at Anfield and Newcastle could offer him an exit route.
“Kelleher at Liverpool is another [goalkeeper] that Newcastle really like,” Jacobs said [40 minutes].
“There is a market opportunity there because Mamardashvili is coming in, Alisson may well stay and Mamardashvili might not be the number one next season.
“There is no indication so far that Liverpool plan on loaning Mamardashvili out to keep it as Alisson and Kelleher next season.
“So Kelleher suddenly is likely to become a number three which is not something he is comfortable with. He doesn’t really want to stay as a number two either.
“We heard some reports that Chelsea might come in the mix for Kelleher, but I am told there is some substance to Newcastle and Kelleher.”
James Trafford remains Newcastle United’s top priority
While Newcastle are monitoring Kelleher, Burnley star James Trafford is still the first-choice target.
Jacobs confirmed this in the above video, saying: “Although at the moment it’s fair to say Trafford is a little higher up on their list of priorities.”
Newcastle nearly signed Trafford in the summer before a £19m deal fell apart close to deadline day.
READ MORE: Burnley manager Scott Parker drops James Trafford transfer bombshell amid Newcastle United interest
However, there was always a feeling Newcastle could return for Trafford in January and that now appears to be the case.
Newcastle are prepared to bid £20m for Trafford this month as Mitchell looks to get a deal over the line quickly. Interest in Kelleher will likely only pick up if Trafford talks fall through once again.
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