Newcastle may opt against strengthening our goalkeeper options this summer due to the uncertainty surrounding Rafa Benitez’s future and the potential takeover by Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to the Chronicle.
The local newspaper believe the club’s failure to reach a prompt resolution in both situations has left an uncertain picture as to whether or not we will be in the market for a new shot-stopper, even with Rob Elliot, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman all entering the final year of their respective contracts at St James’ Park on June 30.
Benitez had allegedly been exploring the potential of bringing in a new option between the sticks, in a bid to add competition to undisputed number one Martin Dubravka.
Darlow had been the Spaniard’s number one back-up for the 30-year-old Slovakia international, but the 28-year-old from Northampton featured just once in the recent season – a ninety-minute outing in the Carabao Cup, where he conceded three goals away to Nottingham Forest.
Woodman had also moved ahead of Elliott in the gaffer’s pecking order, but our academy graduate only featured in the FA Cup outside his duties for the Under 21s in the Premier League 2.
Some of the options the Chronicle understand Benitez had our scouting department cast judgment on include Nice’s Walter Benitez and Paris Saint-Germain-owned Kevin Trapp, who spent the past season on loan in the Bundesliga.
Eintracht Frankfurt now wish to turn that temporary deal into a permanent arrangement and have offered €10million (£8.8m) according to Paris United, who likewise understand the German does not want to return to Les Parc des Princes to be Gianluigi Buffon’s number two.