Newcastle have now been boosted by the news that one summer transfer target looks set to become available imminently.
Eddie Howe is on the lookout for a new goalkeeper to compete with Nick Pope, after Martin Dubravka struggled to emulate the England international’s performances while deputising in the 2023/24 campaign.
The Slovakian kept just five clean sheets in 23 Premier League appearances this season, and sees his contract expire within a matter of weeks.
In contrast, Pope managed to keep six clean sheets in only 15 Premier League outings.
Now, Newcastle have a strong chance of signing a replacement for Martin Dubravka…
Newcastle receive Giorgi Mamardashvili boost
A story from The Times on Monday claimed that Newcastle are very keen to sign Valencia No.25 Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer, and he is considered a top target for the Magpies.
The reliable Fabrizio Romano has since backed that up, while also adding that Valencia have now signed Stole Dimitrievski from Rayo Vallecano as a direct replacement for the Georgia international.
Writing on X, the Italian journalist stated: “Stole Dimitrievski to Valencia, here we go! The Macedonian GK has signed four year deal, valid until June 2028. Mamardashvili, expected to leave with several clubs interested including Newcastle and Atletico Madrid.”
The Georgian has shone in between the sticks for Valencia this season, keeping 13 clean sheets across 36 appearances in La Liga – while only conceding 39 goals as well.
However, Mamardashvili – who Tottenham and Manchester United also looked at in 2022 – may be quite a costly reinforcement.
Eddie Howe may have to spend millions
That aforementioned story by The Times added that Valencia are likely to demand £35m to sell Mamardashvili this summer.
In truth, that is cheaper than we expected the 23-year-old to be, as Valencia hold a €100m (£85m) release clause in the Tbilisi-born glovesman’s contract.
Nevertheless, it is still a large amount of money to spend on a backup goalkeeper, and the pressure will certainly be on Pope to keep delivering as Howe’s No.1 if Newcastle sanction this deal.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as the Magpies do sound very keen to sign Mamardashvili this summer – although there is another goalkeeper in Newcastle’s sights as well…