Newcastle United scouts have been tracking two Borussia Dortmund players in recent weeks, with reports returned on goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and winger Jamie Gittens, according to [The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-14715483/Newcastle-new-badge-crest-transfer-news.html).
Newcastle’s interest in signing a goalkeeper this summer is already established, with Burnley’s James Trafford remaining the top target. However, with an asking price of around £30 million and Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules shaping every move, the club is preparing backup options.
Kobel, 27, is one such candidate. The Swiss international, who has played alongside current Magpie center-back Fabian Schar, impressed with two clean sheets against Newcastle in last year’s Champions League group stage.
Gittens, meanwhile, is attracting wider attention across the Premier League. The England U21 international has scored 12 goals from 34 starts this season and can play on either wing or as a central attacking midfielder.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked, but Newcastle are understood to be firmly in the mix. A release clause in Gittens’ contract could drop from £50 million if Dortmund fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League, making a summer move increasingly likely.
Hope noted that club staff have been impressed by Gittens’ personality and potential, describing him as “engaging and bright” following past interviews.