Altay Bayindir could be the first marquee signing of the Saudi Arabian era at Newcastle United with Haberler reporting Fenerbahce hope to obtain a record fee for the Turkey goalkeeper.
Steve Bruce may fear the sack at St James’ Park – and according to a fan survey 95 per cent of supporters want him gone – but he’s not the only one glancing nervously over his shoulder.
Karl Darlow hardly covered himself in glory during Newcastle’s most recent Premier League defeat, beaten all too easily by Hwang Hee-chan twice at Molineux.
Martin Dubravka, meanwhile, has missed 20 top-flight games through injury since the start of last season.
So, while the goalkeeping position has often been viewed as an area of strength in Newcastle’s mediocre squad, there’s room for an upgrade.
How much will Newcastle pay for Altay Bayindir?
According to A Spor, Newcastle dipped their toe in the water with a exploratory £14 million bid for Bayindir earlier this week, starting their January plans very early indeed.
It will take more than that to twist Fenerbahce’s arm, however.
It’s understood to tempt Fener to cash in on their first-choice shot-stopper it would take an offer in excess of £20 million, one that would make Bayindir the most expensive export in the history of Turkey’s Super Lig.
“Altay Bayindir also has many interested suitors. Young goalkeepers are in great demand across Europe,” Fenerbahce president Ali Koc admitted in the summer.
“I can say we won’t sell him. But with an offer of €30 million (£25 million) we would, of course, have to consider it.
“Altay is a special player. He is a special personality. I can say we will not sell Altay easily. Altay is a character every team wants. There is a lot of interest in him from Europe.”
As you may have heard, Newcastle have the richest owners in world football these days.
£25 million would barely scratch the surface of PIF’s reported £360 billion fortune (The Athletic). Exciting times lie ahead for a rightly jubilant Toon Army.
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