Newcastle United are showing interest in Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana but face competition from Southampton, according to reports in France.
The Magpies are looking for a long-term replacement for Nick Pope as the 33-year-old heads into the final year of his contract. Aaron Ramsdale has reportedly been on their radar following the Saints' relegation this season, but West Ham United are considered favourites.
L'Equipe reports that Newcastle enquired about Fofana, who is said to be available for around €8-10m, two weeks ago. Southampton are also in the race for the Ivorian shot-stopper, who has a year left on his contract.
Newcastle & Southampton Keen On Fofana
He's impressed in Ligue 1 this season
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-05-16T105125.739
Newcastle are admirers of Fofana, who has been a key reason why Angers have avoided the drop in Ligue 1 this season. The Paris-born goalkeeper has kept seven clean sheets in 33 games, including a 1-0 win over AS Monaco.
The 18-cap Ivory Coast international is a strong shot-stopper whose 6ft4in frame makes him a big presence between the sticks. He has also garnered attention from St Mary's, and their scouts are thought to have watched him in action during a 2-1 win against Strasbourg last weekend.
Yahia Fofana Statistics (Ligue 1 2024-25)
Appearances:
Clean sheets:
Goals conceded per game:
Saves per game:
Successful runs out per game:
Saves:
Goals prevented:
Saves from inside box:
Saves from outside box:
Newcastle are better placed to sign the 24-year-old, deemed "one of the best young keepers in Europe", because he doesn't want to play in the second division. But Serie A side Torino are also keeping tabs, while an unnamed top-five Ligue 1 club also enquired about his availability in January.
Eddie Howe will eventually need to replace number one Pope, and injury issues in recent years have proven problematic. Martin Dubravka signed a one-year extension in February, but at 36, the Slovakian shot-stopper is in the twilight years of his career.
The Magpies could be prioritising the Ivorian over Spaniard Joan Garcia who they've recently been linked with. Reports from Spain (via Sport Witness) suggested the Tyneside giants were "on the verge" of signing the Espanyol goalkeeper, but it seems unlikely two shot-stoppers will arrive at St James' Park.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 16/05/2025.
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