Newcastle United are looking to bolster their squad this summer with Eddie Howe's side struggling for consistency this season
Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe will be hoping he can strengthen his Newcastle United squad in the summer.
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Newcastle United produced a memorable night under the lights against Manchester United during the week and know they'll need another big performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend. It's another tough test for Eddie Howe's side who have struggled with consistency this season.
Several Magpies stars have underperformed this season and summer signings coming under increased scrutiny, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa struggling to make an impact in recent months. Newcastle splashed the cash on both stars and can't afford another summer of disappointment.
The Magpies have been linked with several big-name signings, with the goalkeeper department a key area they'll look to address. With that in mind, ChronicleLive has taken a look at the latest transfer rumours heading into the summer transfer window.
Magpies have Bart Verbruggen alternative
The Daily Mail claims Brighton will likely demand a fee in excess of £40million for goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with Newcastle in the market to strengthen their goalkeeping department this summer. With the Seagulls notoriously tough negotiators, the Magpies are keeping a close eye on Borussia Dortmund shot stopper Gregor Kobel as a cheaper alternative.
Although the Swiss international isn't necessarily a younger goalkeeper, at 28-years-old, the Toon have kept a close eye on him for the past few seasons. He has 19 Champions League appearances under his belt and helped Dortmund reach the final in 2023-24, playing against Newcastle twice.
Kobel has two years remaining on his current deal at Dortmund and would is viewed as a low-risk signing given his wealth of experience at senior level.
Chronicle Live says: "As things stand, it's likely Aaron Ramsdale will head back to Southampton come the end of the season, unless he makes the number one position his own. Newcastle need to strengthen between the sticks with Nick Pope struggling for form this season and they need someone who is comfortable with their feet."
Gregor Kobel
Gregor Kobel has been linked with Newcastle
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Chelsea make key decision
TEAMTalk claims Chelsea will accelerate their plan to make Mike Penders the club's number one goalkeeper next season, having impressed on loan with sister club Strasbourg. The Belgian shot stopper has drawn comparisons with Thibaut Courtois and has been impressive for the Ligue 1 club this season.
The report claims Newcastle , Spurs, Aston Villa, Brighton and Nottingham Forest have all made contact with BlueCo to discuss the availability of the Belgian youth international.
However, with Robert Sanchez struggling this season, the Blues will integrate Penders into the first team set up in the summer. Chelsea reportedly chose not to pursue AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan due to Penders' potential and the 20-year-old is set to return to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.
Chronicle Live says: "It seems pretty unlikley that Chelsea would sell Penders to a Premier League rival, let alone a direct competitor for Champions League football in Newcastle. As previously mentioned, the Toon are in the market for a new goalkeeper, but it would be a huge surprise if Penders was one of them."