Newcastle United’s goalkeeper situation has had many of us baffled for almost a year now after Eddie Howe brought John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos to the club last summer.
In fairness, Howe had very little to do with the Vlachodimos move, as has been evidenced by the lack of game time for the Greek international this season, but regardless, Newcastle ended up with five goalkeepers in the first-team squad, which is excessive to say the least.
That number is expected to be trimmed down this summer, with none of the five’s positions safe as things stand. Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy’s contracts expire this summer, Nick Pope is wanted by Leeds United, although that deal may be hard for them to do. Martin Dubravka has had one foot out of the door for years, and Vlachodimos, well, I’m sure Eddie Howe wouldn’t miss him if he just walked away and never came back, the poor bugger.
Newcastle want Burnley stopper James Trafford this summer, with some outlets hinting that the deal is practically a formality.
Newcastle and Chelsea are set for talks over Gregor Kobel from Borussia Dortmund
However, Foot Mercato are now reporting that Newcastle and Chelsea are set to hold talks in London with the agent of Borussia Dortmund ‘keeper Gregor Kobel over the possibility of a summer switch.
The 27-year-old is heavily tipped to leave the German giants this summer, and Newcastle and Chelsea are very keen on the player dubbed ‘world class’ by the Bundesliga website.
“In Dortmund, Gregor has developed into a goalkeeper of world-class calibre who has attracted the interest of many top clubs in Europe.
“We’re proud that we were able to inspire him to continue at BVB.”
We’re still backing the James Trafford move
Gregor Kobel is a top-quality goalkeeper, and if we’re heading to a point where we need to sign two goalkeepers again this summer, then sure, let’s consider it.
However, James Trafford is a much better bet. We know what he’ll cost, we know that he’s talented, but also we know that he can get even better, and he’s got a lot of years left in him.
We’re taking the Kobel links with a pinch of salt anyway, as the story is originating from a French outlet reporting on a Swiss player moving from a German club to England. Something doesn’t quite add up.
