Newcastle have discussed signing Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola this summer, according to the Chronicle.
The north east news outlet have detailed in their report that the name of the 24-year-old Frenchman has been discussed as manager Rafa Benitez seeks a new goalkeeper.
It is said that Pepe Reina was the Spaniard’s first choice, but he is now looking likely to sign a contract extension at Napoli, leaving Benitez to search for alternatives.
Areola is reported to have been one of those, but Newcastle may find it difficult to capture him also with the cash-rich French club said to value their player at £13million.
This has led to the Chronicle stating that it now appears “highly unlikely” that the Magpies’ interest will turn into anything substantive.
Areola has been a part of the PSG team since 2006 and broke through the academy, marking his senior debut for the club in 2012 aged 19.
He has since gone on to play 29 times for the club, keeping 14 clean sheets and has also spent time out on loan at Villarreal, Bastia and Lens in La Liga, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 respectively.
Last season he remained as part of the PSG squad, often as backup to first choice Kevin Trapp, but he did enjoy a run in the first team where he featured 27 times, keeping 13 clean sheets and conceding just 21 times.
Areola also has just two years remaining on his contract in France’s capital city.