Newcastle United are keen to sign Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola when his loan spell at Real Madrid comes to an end, according to Le10 Sport.
You would think that, if there is one position the Magpies do not need to strengthen, it is between the sticks.
Then again, while Martin Dubravka has rightly become a cult hero on the St James’ terraces, the Slovakian international has made more than his fair share of blunders this season with Liverpool, Leicester City and, just last week, Aston Villa benefitting.
While Dubravka has saved his side on so many occasions since he moved to Tyneside three years ago, Areola would still represent a sizeable upgrade.
A 6ft 5ins France international, Areola’s CV certainly makes for impressive reading.
By the end of July, he could have added a La Liga title to his trio of French top-flight crowns and 2018 World Cup winners’ medal, with Real Madrid overhauling a stuttering Barcelona in Spain.
While Areola’s time at the Bernabeu has hardly been a roaring success, that is down to the remarkable rebirth of Thibaut Courtois more than anything.
The Paris-born 27-year-old not only boasts some of the finest reflexes in European football, he also commands his penalty box like a seasoned veteran.
No wonder the legendary Gianlugi Buffon was impressed, tipping Areola for the very top during their time together at the Parc des Princes.
According to Le10 Sport, Areola knows that he will not be short of offers if PSG decide to sell him, with Newcastle joining Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race for a man represented by Mino Raiola.
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