Newcastle United are one of a select few clubs who have been offered Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Geordie Boot Boys understands.
The German international has lost his place at Barcelona to Joan Garcia, who was linked with a move to Newcastle United earlier this summer.
Ter Stegen had back surgery in July but is thought to be closing in on a return to action as he looks to secure a place in Germany’s squad for next summer’s World Cup if they qualify.
The Newcastle United squad already boasts two German internationals in the form of Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade.
While Eddie Howe already has several goalkeepers on the books, Geordie Boot Boys understands that the Barca star has been offered to the club.
FC Barcelona v Como1907 - Joan Gamper Trophy
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Marc-Andre ter Stegen would be open to joining Newcastle United
Speaking exclusively to GBB, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed the current state of play with the German goalkeeper.
There is a belief that Newcastle are one of the clubs the 33-year-old would consider joining, hence him being offered to the Magpies.
That, it’s believed, is simply par for the course for clubs in the Champions League. It’s such a big pull that big-name players may become available to teams who qualify.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
However, with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale already in the squad, any move for the Germany ‘keeper is considered unlikely.
Bailey said: “Newcastle United are one of the clubs that have been made aware that he is available. Obviously Nick Pope got his contract extension and Aaron Ramsdale has come in, so it’s unlikely they would go for him.
“But the belief is that Newcastle are one of the clubs that Ter Stegen would consider joining, hence why he has been offered to them. There are lots of players like him being offered around. When you are in the Champions League like Newcastle are, you get offered these high calibre players.”
Analysis: Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s stance is flattering but Newcastle United should ignore it
From a supporter’s perspective, it’s obviously reasonably flattering to hear that such a big name would be willing to join the club.
After a summer in which Newcastle missed out on several key transfer targets, it underlines just what a destination St James’ Park actually is these days.
Still, signing the goalkeeper would be unwise. Pope and Ramsdale are currently battling it out for the top spot between the posts and the arrival of such a big name would only further complicate matters.
Almost certainly on huge wages, signing a player of his profile goes against what PIF want at Newcastle, with the owners keen on landing younger talents.
Ter Stegen needs to find a move, so is clearly just putting the feelers out. Newcastle, however, are surely too smart to entertain such an idea.