According to 90min, Newcastle target Thomas Strakosha is now close to joining Manchester United, after Crystal Palace signed Sam Johnstone.
What’s the story?
Well, 90min believe Erik ten Hag wanted Johnstone to replace Dean Henderson as No.2 at Old Trafford.
However, Crystal Palace beat Manchester United to the England international, meaning the Red Devils have now turned their attention to Strakosha.
It was said that Newcastle wanted the Albania international on Tyneside, and while they have since signed Nick Pope, there are doubts over the future of Martin Dubravka, so the Magpies could still sign Strakosha.
The 27-year-old is also available for free after his contract with Lazio expired, so Eddie Howe could secure himself a replacement for Dubravka on the cheap.
Now, however, time is running out for Newcastle to sign the Albanian, as Manchester United are closing in.
Fulham are also interested in Strakosha, although 90min believe the Cottagers are now focused on signing Bernd Leno from Arsenal instead.
Crystal Palace may have outdone Newcastle & Manchester United
If Manchester United do sign Strakosha, we still think Patrick Vieira has outdone both Ten Hag and Howe.
The signing of Johnstone on a free transfer could go down as one of the best deals of the summer, given the quality of the player, and the lack of any transfer fee.
We believe Pope is a slightly better goalkeeper, although the fact Newcastle spent £10m to get him makes us think Crystal Palace have outdone the Magpies – as well as the Red Devils – in the trio’s search for a new glovesman.
Of course, Strakosha could outdo both Johnstone and Pope, although his lack of Premier League experience means he could easily struggle in England, just like David de Gea when he first arrived on these shores.
Be sure to keep an eye on the situation involving Strakosha, as a deal could be made official soon.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
