Celtic given green light to secure Newcastle United transfer as double deal confirmed

The Magpies have sold academy graduate Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for £35million as part of their battle to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). And arriving in the opposite direction is Greece international Odysseas Vlachodimos for an undisclosed fee.

"I am very happy to be joining Newcastle United,” said Vlachodimos. “It's an honour for me to be part of this huge club, with excellent players and a great coach. I can't wait to get started!"

It was initially thought the 30-year-old would replace Loris Karius as third choice after the former Liverpool man’s contract expired. However, the news of John Ruddy’s arrival could mean Vlachodimos steps up as number two, or vice-versa.

Ruddy has agreed a one-year contract after leaving Birmingham City, where he spent two years as their number one. The 37-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience racked up over 550 appearances for the likes of Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"This is a massive club and it's a massive opportunity, so I'm really excited to get started,” said the former Everton man.

"It was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. It's a huge, huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is going to be very pleasing and very exciting.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe added: "I'm pleased to welcome John to Newcastle United. He has a huge amount of experience and adds a level of support and competition that we need.

"As well as his abilities on the pitch, he has a strong mentality and he is a leader, which will only benefit the group. I'm looking forward to him joining us as we prepare for the season ahead."

With Pope the established No.1 and Mark Gillespie as fourth choice, Vlachodimos and Ruddy’s arrivals have cast serious doubt over Dubravka’s future.

The 35-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Celtic as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to replace the retired Joe Hart. Dubravka is aware of the speculation surrounding his Newcastle future.

He said: "I am aware that there are rumours, teammates ask me about it, agents and people call me, if there is any truth to it.

"There was some truth in that a year ago and you see, I stayed at Newcastle, so I still take it as if there is no official offer on the table, then I absolutely do not deal.

"I told my agents that if it was concrete and there was an offer, then only then would I consider it. At the moment, it is only in the stage of some noises."

Earlier this year, the player’s agent revealed a summer departure was a possibility. His future is set to be decided soon following Slovakia’s exit from Euro 2024 at the hands of England.