Newcastle are interested in £65m player who has been called the ‘best in the world’
One position Newcastle United do not need to strengthen in this summer is goalkeeper, but that has not stopped one being linked with a move to Tyneside.
A report in Portugal claims that Porto stopper Diogo Costa is a target for Newcastle, with a Premier League move on the horizon.
Newcastle show interest in Diogo Costa
According to A Bola, Newcastle are interested in signing Costa from Porto. They add that Chelsea are also keen.
However, it is reportedly Manchester United who lead the race to secure the 23-year-old’s signature. He is the favourite to replace David De Gea in between the sticks at Old Trafford.
In contrast, Newcastle do not need to replace their first choice goalkeeper, even if Costa has already been described as the ‘best in the world‘, which is an incredible compliment for a goalkeeper so young.
While talk of the Magpies trying to sign Costa is strange, this is not the first time the Portugal international has been linked with a transfer to St James’ Park.
Newcastle looked at Costa last year
Newcastle did sign a goalkeeper last year, bringing in Nick Pope for £10million from Burnley. He proved to be an outstanding signing, and featured in multiple pundits’ team of the season.
But before Eddie Howe made the move for Pope, the Toon recruitment team looked at someone else. The Athletic reported last summer that before bidding for Pope, Newcastle asked Porto about a potential deal for Costa.
However, it looks like the price tag put the Magpies off. While Pope arrived for £10million, Costa would have cost five times that amount.
Fast forward a year, and a deal for Costa will now be even more expensive. That is because he has signed a new contract that includes a release clause worth £65million.
While he is an immense talent who could be your first choice goalkeeper for the next 15 years, there is no way that Newcastle are going to spend that much money to replace Pope. There is absolutely no reason to. The 31-year-old was immense in his debut season, and still has multiple years at the top left in him.