NEWCASTLE are tracking Aaron Ramsdale, SunSport can reveal.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper is highly likely to leave Southampton if they are relegated at the end of the season.
And it’s put a string of Premier League clubs on red-alert for a player who is still regarded as one of England’s best shot stoppers.
Newcastle are firmly in the market for a new keeper and could try to tempt Southampton with a January bid.
Last month SunSport revealed the Magpies were keen on Burnley’s James Trafford.
But the Championship high-fliers are desperate to keep hold of their players as they plot an immediate return to the Premier League under Scott Parker’s stewardship.
If they do win promotion, Burnley hope Trafford could be persuaded to stay at Turf Moor.
It complicates a January move for the player, and has put Ramsdale firmly into Eddie Howe’s sights.
There has long been speculation around the long-term future of Nick Pope, with some fans questioning if he is good enough to take Newcastle to the next level.
And although Ramsdale has been part of a team at St Mary’s leaking goals, he remains very highly regarded.
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The situation is made all the more urgent because Martin Dubravka, who has been filling in for Pope in recent weeks, is expected to make a move to Saudi Arabia before the transfer window closes.
Howe is willing to let 35-year-old Dubravka leave, but only if he can bring in a top-class replacement to provide competition for Pope once he returns from injury later this month.
The Magpies tried to sign Trafford, 22, in the summer transfer window but were priced out of a move for the England Under-21 international.
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