After losing Nick Pope until the back end of the season Newcastle United need to do something about their goalkeeping situation in January.
So far Martin Dubravka hasn't inspired confidence since he stepped in for Pope having conceded 14 goals in seven games, and with Loris Karius to back him up, our options aren't exactly fantastic.
There has been a lot of talk about taking David de Gea on a short-term deal given that he's still without a club since his acrimonious split with Manchester United, but his wage demands are reportedly ridiculous. Aaron Ramsdale is another possibility, but he'd likely have to be a permanent purchase and won't come cheap.
Now a report from Defensa Central in Spain has linked Newcastle with an interest in Real Madrid's third-choice 'keeper as a potential loan move.
Andriy Lunin has been given an opportunity to show Real Madrid that he has what it takes after injuries meant both Thibaut Courtois and Kepa Arizabalaga were missing for a couple of games giving the 24-year-old his shot.
The young stopper made an impression and is now being looked at by Chelsea and Celtic as well as Newcastle.
A short-term loan deal would suit all parties, it will give Lunin the chance to play first-team football while Real Madrid won't permanently lose a promising star, and Newcastle, hopefully, get a goalkeeper that's more useful than a wardrobe.
At this point I'm close to dusting off the old boots and gloves myself and offering my services, and I'm almost as heavy as I am old.
There was faith in Dubravka when Pope picked up his injury, we thought all would be well as they were much of a muchness, but a year on the bench has really affected M-Dubz it seems.
PL | GD | PTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Liverpool
|
12 | 16 | 31 |
2 |
Manchester City
|
12 | 5 | 23 |
3 |
Chelsea
|
12 | 9 | 22 |
4 |
Arsenal
|
12 | 9 | 22 |
5 |
Brighton
|
12 | 5 | 22 |
6 |
Tottenham Hotspur
|
12 | 14 | 19 |
7 |
Nottingham Forest
|
12 | 2 | 19 |
8 |
Aston Villa
|
12 | 0 | 19 |
9 |
Newcastle United
|
11 | 2 | 18 |
10 |
Fulham
|
12 | 0 | 18 |
11 |
Brentford
|
12 | 0 | 17 |
12 |
Manchester United
|
12 | 0 | 16 |
13 |
Bournemouth
|
12 | -1 | 15 |
14 |
West Ham United
|
11 | -6 | 12 |
15 |
Everton
|
12 | -7 | 11 |
16 |
Leicester
|
12 | -8 | 10 |
17 |
Wolves
|
12 | -8 | 9 |
18 |
Ipswich
|
12 | -10 | 9 |
19 |
Crystal Palace
|
12 | -7 | 8 |
20 |
Southampton
|
12 | -15 | 4 |