Newcastle United target Geronimo Rulli tipped for international stardom by ex-Argentina boss

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Tata Martino sees no reason why Real Sociedad star Geronimo Rulli can’t be Argentina’s number one for a decade – would moving to Newcastle help?

Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new number one looks set to be revived in the January transfer window.

Manager Rafael Benitez was left frustrated by the club’s failure to upgrade their goalkeeping options in the summer though Rob Elliot, who missed most of last seasons’ Championship title winning campaign with injury, has been solid between the sticks so far this season.

Nonetheless, The Sun reports that there is another new name on Newcastle’s long list of goalkeeping targets – Real Sociedad ‘keeper Geronimo Rulli.

The £15 million-rated Argentine has been one of the most impressive goalkeepers in La Liga in recent seasons, helping La Real qualify for the Europa League in 2016/17 with a series of stand-out performances between the sticks.

And former Albiceleste boss Gerard ‘Tata’ Martino sees no reason why Rulli cannot be his country’s go-to glovesman for the next decade at least.

“Rulli will probably be the national team keeper for the next ten years. Barring any strange happenings, that ought to be the case,” Martino, who led Argentina to the 2015 Copa America final where they were beaten by Chile, told FIFA.com a year ago.

At the moment, Manchester United back-up Sergio Romero remains Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper though, at 25, Rulli has plenty of time on his side. So far, however, the former Estudiantes ‘keeper has only represented his country at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Though a move to Newcastle, plus the added exposure brought about by the Premier League, may help Rulli’s cause.