Newcastle United is actively pursuing new goalkeeping talent, engaged in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over the highly-rated Carl Rushworth and continuing discussions for Manchester City's James Trafford. The club intends for one of these two players to become its next number one.
Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who spent last season on loan at Coventry City, has reportedly been the subject of two rejected offers exceeding £20 million from Newcastle. The 25-year-old is said to be keen on securing regular first-team football.
Newcastle also maintains a long-standing interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford. Reports from April indicated that Trafford was a primary target. However, Trafford's current role as understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma at Manchester City makes a potential transfer more complex and costly, with an estimated fee of around £30 million.
These potential acquisitions follow Newcastle's recent signing of 20-year-old French prospect Ewen Jaouen for £20 million. The club's current number one is 34-year-old Nick Pope, who may depart once a new target is secured. Newcastle has been active in the transfer market following a disappointing period where they missed out on targets Victor Munoz (to Liverpool) and Johan Manzambi (to Aston Villa). The club has generated £85 million from the sale of Sandro Tonali to Spurs and is currently resisting Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimaraes.