Eddie Howe finally answers Nick Pope question at Newcastle United as £25m deal agreed
Newcastle United are zoning in on a £24.6million deal for Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.
Three months ago, NewcastleWorld pressed Eddie Howe on the goalkeeping conundrum at St James’ Park. Nick Pope was under the pump - having committed his latest error as Newcastle United crumbled 2-1 to Everton.
Was the No.1 spot now a serious weakness for the Magpies? And would buying a new shot-stopper be a top priority in the upcoming transfer market? Staying true to character, Howe politically swerved the question to avoid burying Pope in public.
“I think it's difficult for me to comment on any one player or position,” Howe responded. “Collectively, we have to defend our goal better. That's everyone across the board. That's me taking responsibility for that first and filtering that down to the players.”
Newcastle United agree £25m deal
Fast forward to the present and Newcastle appear to have boldly answered the question. It is understood that the Magpies are on the brink of securing Reims goalie Ewen Jaouen as their first summer signing.
Sources in France indicate a deal has progressed - with Newcastle set to pay £24.6million for the France under-21 keeper. At 20, it is unclear whether Jaouen will immediately be installed as first-choice.
But should he arrive, the 6ft 6in goalkeeper will compete with Pope for the No.1 jersey. This would break the transfer record for a Ligue 2 player, with Jaouen keen to kick on after keeping 15 clean sheets last season.
Eddie Howe wants transfer activity
Howe has made no secret of his desire to get signings through the door early this summer. In a more open discussion with reporters last month, the Toon boss said: "July 13 is when they come back, then we have the training camp.
“But I say every year, we'd love to get players through the door early so they can do pre-season from day one, especially if they aren't at the World Cup. It's for obvious reasons, so we can acclimatise and start our work so they feel part of the team.
“Last summer was difficult for us in that respect. A lot of players came in late, and then you are trying to do that work while there are games happening."