Newcastle accelerate plans to sign ‘top’ player with offer now made as talks continue

Indeed, Newcastle are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen a backline to have struggled last season.

They also made an attempt to land Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo on a free, although it was Chelsea who won the race for the player after the Magpies opted not to make a counter offer.

Now, it seems Newcastle are pressing ahead in their attempts to sign a new goalkeeper.

While Howe rates Nick Pope so highly that he was said to have been “crestfallen” when the England stopper dislocated his shoulder in December, the club are seemingly looking to strengthen in that particular position.

Martin Dubravka will reportedly be allowed to leave, while Loris Karius has departed. Though Mark Gillespie has signed a new contract, it would be a major shock to see him start to be involved on a regular basis all of a sudden.

Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal has been linked with a move to St James’ Park, along with Valencia star Giorgi Mamardashvili.