What Newcastle have recently been discovering about their transfer targets this summer

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Newcastle United look set for a busy summer.

Defender Lloyd Kelly is reportedly close to moving to Newcastle on a free transfer as Eddie Howe looks to reinvigorate a defence that left a lot to be desired last season.

Tosin Adarabioyo was another target too, though has ultimately decided to join Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Another position in which the club are looking to strengthen is in goal.

Now, Nick Pope is said to want to stay at St James’ Park and will surely take some ousting from the current No.1 spot.

Such is the high esteem in which he’s held, Eddie Howe was believed to have been “crestfallen” about the dislocated shoulder injury he suffered back in December.

Still, Pope is not without his concerns. While he’s broadly been excellent since joining from Burnley, there were some reasonably iffy performances last season and doubts about his ability on the ball remain.

Loris Karius has already left, while Martin Dubravka will reportedly be allowed to leave.

Mark Gillespie might have recently signed a new contract but it would be a major shock to see him start to be involved on a regular basis all of a sudden.

With that in mind, links with so many goalkeepers make sense.

A £16m offer to sign Burnley’s James Trafford has reportedly been tabled, while Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal has been linked.

Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is also said to be of interest.

However, Newcastle may have hit a stumbling block in their attempts to strengthen.

What Newcastle have now learned about their transfer targets this summer

According to The Sun, Newcastle have learned some of their targets are simply wildly priced.

Trafford, for example, may cost up to £30m – which could reportedly put the club off.

Ramsdale, meanwhile, has a price tag of £40m up-front with a further £10m coming by way of add-ons.

Newcastle must have another priority this summer

The signing of a new goalkeeper makes sense when you consider some of the (slight) doubts about Pope and potential departure of Dubravka, who didn’t exactly cover himself in glory at times.

Still, it should not be the priority.

A new right-winger is said to be on the agenda and that should surely take precedence during a window in which FFP limitations may play a part again.

If a goalkeeper looks too expensive right now, focusing on other areas seems wiser.