A rumour now emerging from Chelsea represents a positive for Newcastle – Eddie Howe will surely be relieved.
The transfer window does not even officially open until Friday 14th June, although the Magpies and the Blues have already trodden on each other’s toes amid the Tosin Adarabioyo saga.
Newcastle thought they had a deal for the Fulham No.4 wrapped up – although Chelsea hijacked negotiations.
Now – however – Newcastle will be pleased by a separate bit of news coming from Chelsea…
Newcastle will be pleased as Chelsea end Giorgi Mamardashvili pursuit
Newcastle seemed likely to have to fend off Chelsea once again as the Blues showed admiration for one of Howe’s primary targets – Valencia No.25 Giorgi Mamardashvili.
A story from Spanish news outlet COPE states that Newcastle have just made a £35m bid to sign the Georgia international – although Football London claimed that Chelsea lurked in the background, amid doubts over Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic.
Now – however – after Enzo Maresca was officially announced as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement, recruitment plans have changed slightly.
An update from Fabrizio Romano now claims that the Italian is satisfied with his goalkeeping options at Stamford Bridge, and is especially looking forward to working with Sanchez.
That should mean Newcastle have a free run at signing Mamardashvili now – without having to worry about Chelsea hijacking this deal as well.
Chelsea had even made contact to ask about Villarreal No.13 Filip Jorgensen – who Newcastle identified as their backup to Mamardashvili – so Howe will surely be breathing a huge sigh of relief after hearing that Maresca is content with his current options in the goalkeeping department.
Eddie Howe has already found Tosin Adarabioyo alternative
Not only do Newcastle now seem more likely to sign Mamardashvili, but Howe has also found an alternative to the aforementioned Adarabioyo.
Romano has recently revealed that a deal to sign Bournemouth No.5 Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer is nearing completion, and the reliable Italian journalist adds there is little chance of the defender changing his mind – like Adarabioyo did.
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Therefore, Newcastle could have a new goalkeeper and also a new central defender in place very soon, which would represent a major boost for Howe as he aims for a more successful season in the 2024/25 campaign.