Newcastle to battle Chelsea for player favoured by Howe himself

The goalkeeping position is a sore subject for Newcastle at the moment. Nick Pope is still nursing his injuries and Martin Dubravka, who has now taken his place in goal for the Magpies, is struggling to perform at the same level as Pope. And these problems Eddie Howe is ready to close in the summer transfer window.

The Forties coach is a big fan of Valencia's Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and, according to The Times, a deal for him would be a big "signal of intent". Actually, getting the player is what Howe wants.

The Georgian reportedly fits the profile Newcastle are looking for perfectly, and his age (23) would give Mamardashvili a place in the Forties goal for a decade. But this move won't come cheap.

The deal would cost Newcastle, as well as Chelsea, who are also bidding for the player, €100 million, which is the amount stipulated in the Georgian's contract.