Newcastle have been linked with a move for SS Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha by TuttoMercatoWEB, but many United supporters are questioning why the Albanian international would be needed on Tyneside next season.
According to the Italian outlet, Magpies chiefs are actively searching for a new shot-stopper in the summer market, and note that Strakosha is a firm player of interest for our scouts ahead of a potential bid.
His arrival would threaten Martin Dubravka’s place as our number one, while pushing the likes of Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot and Freddie Woodman further down the pecking order and potentially closer to the exit door.
La Lazio Siamo Noi, meanwhile, have suggested that 8-cap international Strakosha may even be open to a summer switch from the Olympic Stadium to St James’ Park as he is intrigued by the Premier League, but note that there would be several obstacles standing in the way of a transfer, namely I Biancocelesti’s asking price.
Lazio Sporting Director Igli Tare is thought to have made it clear that his asking price for I Biancocelesti’s number one is as high as €45million (£40.3m), but may be willing to negotiate a fee closer to €40million (£35.8m).
Yet, while an official approach by Newcastle is expected soon, both figures are thought to be considered too high for United, who do not appear willing to spend anywhere near that for the 24-year-old, who kept ten clean sheets in 35 Serie A fixtures last season.
Another potential obstacle in any pursuit could boil down to the player’s wishes to compete in what La Lazio Siamo Noi describe as a top club, with Tottenham Hotspur name-checked as an English side to have also sounded out a potential deal.
Spurs’ interest is expected to have appealed to Strakosha, too, as the project of whichever side makes an approach is seen as one of the deciding factors on where the Panionios Athen product will end up by the time the market slams shut. As too will the contract tabled to the Athen-born Albanian international, reportedly earning £30,526-a-week with Lazio.
Here’s how these Newcastle fans reacted…
If we did spend money you could guarantee it’d be on a position we didn’t need
— Alex (@Alex_Scott___) July 7, 2019
Signing that Norwich keeper and now this geezer, looks like we’re gonna have almiron supporting rob Elliot and darlow up top this season
— Matthaus (@GeordieDubravka) July 7, 2019
We don’t need a GK and we won’t be spending 40M euros on anybody
thank u, next
— Dell ◻️◼️ (@agbnufc) July 7, 2019
One area we least need someone
— Stevie D (@steviedtank) July 7, 2019
Whats the use when u have Dubravka
— Lucky (@Lucky16538099) July 7, 2019
Invest it into an area which needs replacing or improving.
Dúbravka is good????????♂️— Jack Charlton (@JackCha50747589) July 7, 2019
Is this one of those bids that’s not really a bid until Ashley decides whether or not it’s a bid kind of thing? #moneyball #nufc #TransferNews
— Shaun C1954 (@OneESC) July 7, 2019
Be lucky if we offered €4.0m
— DeathsquadNUFC (@DeathsquadNUFC) July 7, 2019
Erm, ok. Does he fancy becoming a striker?!
— Emma Gregory (@emmagregory23) July 7, 2019
This seems likely….spend big on a position we dont need
— Magpie92 (@Magpieranger92) July 7, 2019
Dubravka, Darlow , Elliott , Woodman and Strakosha all at the same time might help us avoid relagation !!!!
— darren robinson (@Dazza75Darren) July 7, 2019
I don’t understand the logic, we have 3/4 capable goal keepers but have lost our 2 main goal scorers and a holding midfielder. Surely this should be where the cash should be spent?
— peter challinor (@peterchal) July 7, 2019
Brilliant – just where our priorities lie. Inspired. If true. ????
— Life, & Other Lessons (@AHaleytweets) July 7, 2019
This article was originally posted here