Newcastle United wanted Gavin Bazunu but ended up backing away from a potential deal for the new Southampton signing.
The Magpies continue to be linked with potential new goalkeeper signings like Nick Pope and Bernd Leno.
A deal for Dean Henderson doesn’t seem to be on the cards anymore and Newcastle may look for other targets to compete with Martin Dubravka.
Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman both look set to leave Newcastle very soon and the Magpies seem to have just missed out on a potential goalkeeping addition.
Newcastle United wanted Gavin Bazunu
That’s because TalkSPORT claim that Newcastle were keen on signing Ireland international Bazunu.
It’s stated that Newcastle’s new director of football Dan Ashworth held talks with Bazunu’s representatives in an attempt to thrash out a deal.
The problem for Newcastle was that Ashworth just couldn’t promise Bazunu that he would be first-choice goalkeeper at St James’ Park.
The idea may have been to use 20-year-old Bazunu as competition for Dubravka before eventually allowing him to take over.
Newcastle were also unwilling to pay the £15million Manchester City were demanding for Bazunu’s signature this summer.
Southampton were not only prepared to pay that fee, but have seemingly made it clear that Bazunu will play a key role for them.
Southampton have been able to confirm Bazunu’s arrival and that means a return to the South Coast.
Bazunu was superb on loan at Southampton’s bitter rivals Portsmouth last season and has now become a Saint.
Hailed as ‘special and unique’ by Ireland boss Stephen Kenny, Bazunu should have his best days ahead of him.
Southampton did try a similar move by signing Angus Gunn from City back in 2018 but that really didn’t work; they will hope for better from Bazunu.
As for Newcastle, it’s back to the drawing board for Ashworth and co as they chase a new goalkeeper this summer with Bazunu off the market.
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