'In talks' - England international has already agreed to join Newcastle United as fresh target emerges
Newcastle United transfers: Eddie Howe’s side are targeting two more goalkeeper signings this summer.
Newcastle United are in the market for two goalkeepers this summer following the £18million purchase of Ewen Jaouen at the start of the transfer window.
The Magpies have loaned out Odysseas Vlachodimos for the second successive season, released John Ruddy and refrained from triggering an option to make Aaron Ramsdale’s loan move from Southampton permanent. It sees the first-team goalkeeping department limited to Nick Pope, Jaouen and Mark Gillespie.
But with the club open to selling Pope this summer and the goalkeeper attracting interest from other Premier League clubs, replacements have been targeted. Newcastle will also look to sign a new third-choice goalkeeper following Ruddy’s exit.
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James Trafford has been Newcastle’s top goalkeeper target since 2024 but, for one reason or another, the club have failed to secure a deal for the England international. The Manchester City goalkeeper has previously agreed to join Newcastle and would be open to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer after limited Premier League opportunities following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma last summer.
The Gazette previously reported that Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was also on Newcastle’s radar but would likely prove too expensive. Now, another Brighton goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Newcastle.
According to Mail Online, Newcastle have added 25-year-old Carl Rushworth to their list of goalkeeper targets and are ‘in talks’ over a potential transfer. The report adds that discussions regarding a move for Trafford are ‘continuing’.
Despite spending his entire professional career contracted at Brighton, Rushworth is yet to play a competitive game for the club. Instead, his playing career has been spent exclusively out on loan. He spent last season out at Coventry City, playing all 46 league matches en route to the Championship title.
The goalkeeper made three appearances for Hull City during the 2024/25 campaign, but prior to that he featured regularly during spells at Swansea City, Lincoln City, Walsall and Worthing.
Rushworth is into the final year of his contract at Brighton and Coventry have been linked with signing the goalkeeper on a permanent basis following his success on loan last season.
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