Nottingham Forest could be up against it, as Newcastle United have now soared into the race for Europe's "best young goalkeeper", alongside another Premier League club.
Magpies eyeing goalkeeper with Ramsdale struggling to displace Pope
Back in the summer, Aaron Ramsdale was brought in to compete for Nick Pope's place in the starting XI, but the former Arsenal goalkeeper has struggled to displace the 33-year-old, who penned a contract extension earlier this season.
With Pope's new deal set to run until 2027, there may be no pressing need to bring in a new goalkeeper, especially considering Eddie Howe seems to be pleased with Ramsdale as an understudy, saying: "His (Ramsdale’s) energy has been really good around the group. I think because of all that attention, he’s focused on his training and his work with the goalkeeper coaches, which has been excellent."
However, the ex-Burnley man has put in some poor performances in recent weeks, making an error leading to Qarabag's only goal in the 6-1 Champions League thrashing, while also making a key mistake in the 4-1 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.
As Pope is not in the best of form, and Ramsdale seemingly hasn't done enough to convince Howe to make him the number one, the St. James' Park outfit have now joined the race for a new goalkeeper.
That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Newcastle are now in the picture to sign Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, who has attracted widespread interest, off the back of an impressive season in Ligue 1 thus far.
Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest are also credited with an interest in the shot-stopper, but with both clubs currently in the Premier League relegation battle, the Magpies are in prime position to hijack their moves.
RC Lens' Robin Risser during the warm up before the match
A number of other top European clubs are named as potential suitors for the Lens star, and it no surprise, given just how highly he is regarded...
Risser touted as Europe's "best young goalkeeper"
Journalist Bence Bocsak clearly believes the 21-year-old has what it takes to reach the highest level, saying earlier this month: "Robin Risser is the best young goalkeeper in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
"He’s so quick off his line, great reactions. Commands his box really well. Decent on the ball as well. Really impressed by him. I think his ceiling is very high."
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Hugo Bueno and Andre in action with Burnley's Lesley Ugochukwu Related
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The Magpies are looking to raid their Premier League rivals.
The youngster has kept nine clean sheets in Ligue 1 this season, the third-highest number in the division, while a save percentage of 75.7% ranks him in second place, behind only Angers star Herve Koffi.
With Pope looking increasingly error-prone as of late, it would make sense to bring in a potential long-term replacement in the summer, and Risser has proven he could be the ideal option.