Newcastle United have suffered a blow in their reported pursuit of Thomas Strakosha in a free transfer as TuttoMercatoWEB now report he is open to renewing his contract at Lazio.
The Albania goalkeeper is currently a free agent at the end of the season when his existing terms expire. But Strakosha is warming to extending his stay in Rome if Biancocelesti chiefs can assure the 26-year-old that he will be the Serie A side’s undisputed starter next term.
Maurizio Sarri initially favoured Pepe Reina after taking charge at the Stadio Olimpico last year. He started the veteran in Lazio’s opening 15 league fixtures, despite the 39-year-old conceding 29 goals. Allowing four against Udinese in December would be the final straw.
Since drawing 4-4 with Udinese on December 2, Strakosha has opened each of Lazio’s 11 subsequent Serie A games. The Rome natives have shipped 11 goals over those fixtures, while keeping four clean sheets. Reina, also out of contract this June, had kept just two.
Strakosha is now open to agreeing a new contract with Lazio
So, having regained his place between the Lazio posts, Strakosha is now open to agreeing a new contract. But to do so, the 18-cap international demands €2m-a-year (£33k-a/w) net, as well as a €2.5m (£2m) signing-on bonus. He also wants guarantees he is the starter.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito is now mulling over Strakosha’s demands and will have the final say on any new contract. A strong showing against Napoli on Sunday could help swing the tide in Strakosha’s favour whilst the Biancocelesti are in the mix for a European berth.
Newcastle suffer blow in pursuit of free Strakosha transfer
Strakosha has dealt Newcastle a blow to their summer transfer plans by warming to a new contract with Lazio. Il Messaggero previously noted the shot-stopper was expected to join the Magpies at the end of the season once his existing deal at the Stadio Olimpico expires.
Additionally, The Sun cited Newcastle’s interest in a transfer for Strakosha with his Lazio future uncertain back in November. The Toon even considered a winter raid on Rome, having sent their top scout to watch the Athens-born goalie in Europa League action.
But Eddie Howe may now have to look elsewhere in the summer if he still wants to sign a stopper. Possibly denying Newcastle a free transfer for a goalkeeper former Lazio coach Alberto Bollini branded ‘extraordinary’ for his athleticism between the sticks in Strakosha.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
