Newcastle have been scouting Lille’s number one, Lucas Chevalier, according to reports.
It has been claimed that negotiations with Burnley for James Trafford are about to ramp up but The Athletic believe that the Magpies have concerns about his price tag.
Trafford could cost as much as £40m and Chevalier has been “watched” as Eddie Howe’s side consider “alternatives”.
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The Frenchman has had a great season for Lille, having been named Ligue 1’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the 2024/25 campaign.
However, it is doubtful that Chevalier would be available for a lower amount than Trafford, based on what has been said in recent weeks.
Lille are set to demand close to £60m for the Newcastle target
When Paris Saint-Germain were linked with Chevalier as a potential replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma earlier this month, French newspaper Le Parisien (via Get French Football News) reported that his asking price could be as high as €70m (£59.7m).
It was mentioned that both Manchester City and Manchester United were also keeping close tabs on Chevalier, with the two teams looking for new number ones.
Chevalier has expressed an interest in moving to England
Speaking back in late May, the 23-year-old did not hide the fact that he would be very tempted by a transfer to English football:
“The Premier League? It’s a league that makes you dream, the most attractive. When you see Tottenham, Manchester United struggling with crazy players, you can see the level a bit.”
“I have a two-year contract, and you know the president [Oliver Letang]. I haven’t had any specific offers from this country, but it makes you think.”
At the moment, it doesn’t appear a bid from Newcastle is imminent, but Chevalier would clearly be open to such a switch if it became a genuine possibility.
In other news, Newcastle are weighing up an approach for an RB Leipzig attacking midfielder, along with Man United and Tottenham