NEWCASTLE UNITED are reportedly plotting a swoop for giant goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili as part of a spending spree.
The Magpies are looking for a new stopper to challenge current No.1 Nick Pope.
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Boss Eddie Howe is a “big fan” of Valencia’s 23-year-old Georgian star with the club repeatedly watching him in LaLiga action.
Now the 6ft 6in Mamardashvili has emerged as their top target, according to The Times.
Despite the vast sums available to their Saudi owners, Newcastle have been limited in their recruitment due to the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Mamardashvili has enjoyed a brilliant campaign in Spain, missing just one game, and will likely cost around £35m.
He joined Valencia in 2021 and won their player of the year award in 2023 and is now said to be “open” to the possibility of heading to the Premier League.
Howe’s priority is “to sign a young goalkeeper to challenge Pope” after Martin Dubravka deputised in the England international’s 27-game absence due to a dislocated shoulder.
Dubravka, 35, will become a free agent next month along with third-choice Loris Karius.
Despite a host of injury problems, PSR rules meant that they were unable to spend any money in January.
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But this fresh report states that they “will spend significantly this summer” with two popular players due to be sold to help finance those improvements.
Midfielder Miguel Almiron, 30, has been linked with the Saudi Pro League and is said to be available.
And striker Callum Wilson is also “potentially exiting” with both adding to Howe’s transfer budget.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Bruno Guimaraes’ camp over a stunning transfer.
The 26-year-old Brazilian’s fine form has seen him attract interest from several sides including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
His contract will see a £100million release clause become active for the month of June.
But some reports have claimed that Newcastle will consider offers of £80m from clubs who have qualified for next season’s Champions League.
Another fan favourite that has been linked with a move away is fellow Brazilian midfielder Joelinton.
However, Newcastle are hoping to secure their first new addition by the end of this week.
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, 25, is due to confirm that he is joining the Magpies on a free transfer once his contract expires next month.
Discussing his summer transfer business, Howe said: “That support and determination is there from the owners but the rules mean that those restrictions are placed upon us.
“It’s a very difficult market to navigate. We can’t even predict what we are going to do, but the endeavour will be there to try and improve the squad.
“The whole way of trading players has changed. The days of that kind of way of working [a transfer budget] are over, I think.
“It’s a case of being smart and reacting to what happens and trying to bring the right players with the right characteristics into the squad.”
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Chelsea are also being linked with a move for Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, who is also wanted by Brighton.
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