Newcastle United in race against time for £35m target as Chelsea eye another transfer steal
Newcastle United are on the hunt for goalkeeping reinforcements before the summer is out but face a race against time to seal a prospective deal for Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
The Georgian star wants his future ironed out before Euro 2024 begins in less than two weeks and the La Liga outfit are determined to receive [€40m] £35m for his services. Mamardashvili appeared to bid an emotional farewell to the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia’s final home game of the campaign as the race hots up for his signature.
Newcastle hold an interest but Chelsea are the latest side to be linked with a move for the 23-year-old, with the Blues seeking a replacement for the departing Kepa Arrizabalaga. Bayern Munich came close to landing Mamardashvili last summer, while Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the stopper.
It is understood Chelsea have sent scouts to watch Mamardashvili, while they have also been tipped to explore moves for Filip Jörgensen from Villarreal and Álvaro Valles Las Palmas.
Newcastle will need to move quickly for Mamardashvili but have also been linked with Burnley’s James Trafford and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale as Eddie Howe seeks added options in between the sticks.
Speaking last month, Valencia boss Ruben Baraja said: “There is one important thing and everyone should know it. For Valencia to sell a player, there will have to be an offer that is accepted by the club and that the player wants to go to that team,” the Valencia boss said this week.
“Circumstances have to occur that have not [yet] occurred for Mamardashvili, or for Javi Guerra, who people talk a lot about. When there is that situation, we will make a decision. Because if not, the feeling it gives is that everyone is leaving Valencia and this is going to be dismantled, and we cannot allow it.”
Newcastle United’s 2023/24 season is over – a rollercoaster year that saw the return of Champions League football, big-money signings, injuries galore and a lengthy suspension to one of Eddie Howe’s key men. It had ups and downs, record-breaking matches and that incredible victory over Paris Saint-Germain – all of which are documented and analysed in our season review special.
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Our writers pick out their star players, explain where lessons can be learned and reveal where that remarkable PSG win ranks among United’s greatest European triumphs. It costs just £3.50 and you can order in our online store here.
