'I refused': Former Bayer Leverkusen star explains why he turned down the chance to sign for Newcastle

Russian goalkeeper Andrey Lunev revealed that he "refused" to sign for Newcastle United during their search for more shot-stopping options.

At the beginning of the 2022/23 season, the Magpies were on the hunt for a third goalkeeper so they could have a number of solid options should anything happen. Former Manchester United, Watford and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster was poised to sign but the deal fell through.

Then Newcastle wanted Lunev, who at the time was barely getting a game for Bayer Leverkusen.

The talks came to nothing however, and now Lunev is impressing for Azerbajani side Qarabag.

Qarabag; who are consistent players of European football are 16 points clear at the top of the Azerbajani top flight.

Lunev only made three appearances for Leverkusen, conceding four goals.

"There was an option (to play in England) when I was at Bayer.

"One friend said there was an opportunity to go to Newcastle and be a third of fourth choice goalkeeper there.

"He told me that they have two experienced goalkeepers and are missing a third goalkeeper.

"They just took Karius, I refused."

Understandably, Lunev chose to play consistent first team football over sitting on the bench in England.

But that didn't stop him from teasing a move to England in the future.

"I'm almost 33 years old, so I still want to play football. Perhaps, at 36 years old, you will want to look at England.

"Then you can sit on the bench and watch!"

Lunev made his name at Zenit St Petersburg, making 118 appearances in all competitions.

This season he has played 28 times for Qarabag. Maybe he made the right decision for the sake of his career.