PSG’s Ligue 1 winning shot-stopper Alphonse Areola is reportedly a target for Premier League duo Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
Alphonse Areola may have won the domestic quadruple at Paris Saint-Germain this season, but reports in France are suggesting that the highly-rated goalkeeper could leave that all behind in order to move to England this summer.
And the report suggests that this is likely to result in Areola’s departure from the Parc des Princes.
It is understood that Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has been holding discussions with the 25-year-old shot-stopper, having been alerted to his potential since an excellent loan spell at Villarreal in the 2015/16 season.
And, interestingly, the report adds that Crystal Palace are likely to rival Newcastle for the France international’s signature, as are a Napoli side who look set to lose Pepe Reina to Serie A rivals AC Milan.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson has made no secret of the fact he wants a new number one, with Wayne Hennessey and Julian Speroni hardly among the most reliable custodians the Premier League has to offer.
And although Areola still has a penchant for rather naive mistakes, there is no doubting the potential of a goalkeeper tipped for the top by none other than Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon.
It is understood that Areola will cost somewhere in the region of £18 million, but Newcastle appear to be a step closer than Crystal Palace as things stand.
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