Newcastle United are now stepping up their interest in signing Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer this summer.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (01/05, p72), who claim that Newcastle are really pushing to sign Strakosha.
It’s suggested that Newcastle have opened talks with Strakosha’s representatives to try and thrash out a deal.
Newcastle are described as being ‘very interested’ in signing Strakosha. The 27-year-old is similarly keen on a move to the Premier League.
Strakosha has been at the centre of an internal power struggle at Lazio in recent weeks.
Sporting director Igli Tare and president Claudio Lotito allegedly want to keep Strakosha. However, boss Maurizio Sarri wants to go in another direction.
With Strakosha now less than two months away from becoming a free agent, it looks like he will be on the move.
Newcastle appear to be at the front of the queue for Strakosha as they chase a new goalkeeper this summer.
Martin Dubravka is first-choice at Newcastle but the Magpies have been linked with a number of stoppers to potentially replace him.
There have been links to Bernd Leno and Dean Henderson for instance, but they play for Premier League rivals and Newcastle would have to pay fees.
Strakosha can sign for free, and of course there will be a signing-on fee included, but Newcastle may feel the Albanian is a bargain.
Strakosha has been hailed as a goalkeeper with ‘extraordinary’ ability, but he has lost his way a little at Lazio.
Splitting time with Pepe Reina this season hasn’t been ideal for Strakosha and it’s clear that he needs to leave and try something new.
Newcastle will be hoping that Strakosha now fancies a move to St James’ Park with a bargain addition potentially in the pipeline.
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