Newcastle United set sights on Keylor Navas

Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a summer swoop for PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who is destined to leave Parc des Princes in the summer.

According to Fichajes, Newcastle United are among a trio of clubs interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Keylor Navas, who will look for a fresh challenge this summer after sharing the No. 1 role with Gianluigi Donnarumma this term.

Navas joined PSG from Real Madrid in 2019 and had been their undisputed first-choice goalkeeper until last summer. He has been a reliable presence between the sticks, making over 100 appearances for the French outfit while keeping 48 clean sheets in the process.

However, things took a turn for the worse for the Costa Rican international when Gianluigi Donnarumma joined the club from AC Milan on a free transfer last summer. It has led to a battle between the duo for the No. 1 spot this term.

Navas has made 18 Ligue 1 appearances for PSG this season, conceding 15 goals and keeping eight clean sheets, the most recent of which came in Wednesday’s 3-0 win against Angers. Donnarumma, on the other hand, has appeared in 15 league matches and more regularly in the Champions League.

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Les Parisiens are said to have decided to scrap their goalkeeper rotation policy from next season, implying that Navas will have to leave in the coming months despite having two years remaining on his contract.

Navas is, undoubtedly, one of the most experienced goalkeepers in Europe, with three Champions League crowns and several domestic titles with Real Madrid and, more recently, with PSG. However, given Donnarumma’s age profile and enormous potential, the UEFA Euro 2020 winner was always going to be PSG’s automatic first choice in the near future.

At 35, Navas would believe that he has still got a handful of years left in him to play at the top level. As such, there looks to be no shortage of suitors for the former Real Madrid goalkeeper, with Juventus and Sevilla interested in securing his services. Newcastle United, with their vast riches, are also keen on signing the PSG goalkeeper.

Newcastle have all but secured their Premier League status for next season and are expected to strengthen key areas of their squad, with many high-profile, quality incomings expected, while a mass summer clearout could also be on the cards.

One area of focus, in particular, is the goalkeeping department, with manager Eddie Howe not entirely convinced of first-choice ace Martin Dubravka. They have recently been linked with a move for Manchester United outcast Dean Henderson. However, with the Red Devils demanding a fee of £40 million for their prized goalkeeper, the Magpies may be forced to look elsewhere.

Also Read: Three players Newcastle United should pursue in the summer

To that end, Navas would be an excellent short-term signing for the Toon. He will bring quality, leadership, experience and poise to the Newcastle backline, whilst being a significant upgrade over all the current goalkeepers at the club. But it remains to be seen if they can get the Costa Rican ace this summer.

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