Pau Lopez would be a good addition for Newcastle who are in search of a new goalkeeper. Can they beat Tottenham to a deal?
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
Newcastle United are back in the Premier League and determined to avoid the mistakes of the past as they rebuild under Rafa Benitez.
Among their priorities is to find a new goalkeeper, with Pepe Reina among the names touted.
Yet it is another Spaniard who could be an ideal acquisition, and there may be an opportunity to snatch him from Tottenham Hotspur’s grasp.
Tottenham’s Pau Lopez and Son Heung-min during training
Pau Lopez was Espanyol’s number one before Tottenham managed to secure him on loan last season, but he went the entire campaign without playing a match for Spurs.
Now Tottenham are dallying over a deal, with chairman Daniel Levy low-balling Espanyol.
Espanyol were holding out for seven million Euros, and Tottenham have submitted an offer, but only for 2.2 million, AS report.
Atletico Madrid’s Lucas Hernandez fights for the ball against Espanyol’s goalkeeper Pau Lopez
Lopez admits he does not know what the future holds, and now is an apt time for Newcastle United to try and steal in.
The 22-year-old is currently preparing for involvement with Spain’s under-21 squad for this summer’s tournament, where he is hoping for a chance to showcase his talents.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is held in high regard in Spain and he might just have a chance of tempting Lopez to St James’ Park.
Picture Supplied by Action Images – Pau Lopez
He made 36 La Liga games in 2015/16, helping Espanyol to a healthy goal difference of just -1 as they finished in 8th position.
The youngster would be at the opposite end of the scale to Pepe Reina, who Napoli have made clear isn’t for sale, but he would fit the profile of the promising type of player Newcastle should be targeting.
The longer Tottenham play games in the transfer market, the more chance there is for another side to come in and stake a claim of their own.
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