Real Sociedad goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli is not the only La Real player to have interested Newcastle United in recent times.
Real Sociedad should be seen as an example for Newcastle United. The San Sebastian-based outfit have made a habit of thriving despite the bigger budgets enjoyed by their La Liga rivals over the years, finishing in the top half for four of the last five seasons and qualifying for the Europa League yet again in 2016/17.
They have also survived year on year after losing countless key players, most notably Antoine Griezmann. And Sociedad may once again be facing up to the prospect of losing another of their star men.
The Sun reports that Newcastle’s desire for a new goalkeeper has taken them to the £15 million-rated Geronimo Rulli. Sociedad’s Argentine ‘keeper has been one of the most impressive shot-stoppers in La Liga over the last three seasons and it appears only a matter of time before his form is recognised on the international front.
Though Rob Elliot has done a decent job between the sticks for Newcastle this season, 25-year-old Rulli would represent a major upgrade. But the goalkeeper should not be the only Sociedad star Newcastle attempt to lure to Tyneside in the January transfer window.
The Chronicle reported in June that The Magpies were eying strapping centre-forward Willian Jose. And with Rafael Benitez still after a striker, the Brazilian should once again come into consideration.
Jose enjoyed a fine debut campaign at the Anoeta in 2016/17, scoring 12 times in La Liga. He has a further three so far this season and also plundered four in a 6-0 thrashing of Vardar in the Europa League last week.
A strong, physical line-leader with no lack of technique, Jose is a far better striker than Joselu and, although he would not come cheap, Newcastle’s prospective takeover would make a deal possible.
Benitez wants to strengthen Newcastle’s spine – Rulli and Jose would be solid additions at either end.
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