Newcastle United face Serie A competition over possible loan deal for German keeper

Newcastle United are facing up to potential overhaul of their goalkeeping ranks during the summer transfer window.

Eddie Howe is hoping to welcome back first choice stopper Nick Pope before the end of the season as the England international enters the final stages of his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury suffered in a 1-0 home win against Manchester United in December. Martin Dubravka has been Howe’s preferred choice in Pope’s absence but the Slovakia international will enter the final 12 months of his current deal this summer and is unlikely to be content with spending another season acting as backup.

Mark Gillespie and Loris Karius are both out of contract at the end of the season and the latter has spoken of his desire to move to Italy to be closer to his partner. Speaking of a move to Serie A in a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Karius said: “Of course, it would be a great solution if there were good options for me, regardless of proximity to my family. I have always followed Serie A and it intrigues me a lot, but it is too early to talk about the future. Claudio (Marchisio) and I are friends, I know him well and I think he is the right person. I want to go back to being a number one like I always have been, except for the last two years. When I play I do well, and I know I have enough quality to perform at the highest levels again.”

The uncertainty over the future of three of their stoppers has played a part in United being linked with a number of replacements and recent speculation has suggested Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili are both on the Magpies radar. However, German outlet Bild Sport have now reported United have made contact with Bayern Munich goalkeeper Alexander Nubel as he enters the final months of his current deal with the Bundesliga champions.

The report suggests Newcastle and Roma have both shown in interest in the experienced stopper - but also reveals there is a possibility he could extend his current contract with Bayern before making a season-long loan move elsewhere.