OPINION
Newcastle have reportedly made an enquiry to sign Angers’ third-choice stopper Denis Petric despite already boasting an abundance of goalkeepers at St. James’ Park.
French outlet Ouest France claim that Newcastle have approached Angers over the availability of their 29-year-old stopper, who sits behind goalkeepers Alexandre Letellier and Mathieu Michel in the pecking order.
However, the Toon are not alone in their interest for the two-time Serbia Under-21 international, who is also said to be interesting Championship side Bristol City as well as Angers’ domestic rivals Guingamp.
The report claims Angers are willing to let him leave the club on loan or as part of a permanent basis, as he has been playing with the reserves since the start of the season despite making nine Ligue 1 appearances last term.
Good move for Newcastle?
Newcastle do not need to add another goalkeeper to their ranks, with little movement expected on the future of their four first-team players who are all vying for a place between the sticks.
Rob Elliot is currently considered number one, while Karl Darlow, Tim Krul and Freddie Woodman are also looking to earn a first-team slot despite all three being linked elsewhere this summer.
But with just one day remaining in the transfer window, it appears unlikely that the Toon will be able to offload any of them.
It means that Benitez is not in need of a back-up goalkeeper, which Petric would only prove to be as he remains third choice behind Michel and Letellier at Angers.
This Is Futbol rating: 2/10.
Likely to happen?
Petric has less than a year remaining on his contract with the Ligue 1 outfit, which would see the Toon be able to push through a deal with consummate ease.
Angers will want to avoid losing their goalkeeper on a free and receiving a transfer fee for his services will make them much more likely to sell Petric.
However, with the Toon not in need of another back-up goalkeeper, it remains to be seen if Petric is realy a priority for Benitez in the final hours of the transfer window.
Although a move that would be easy to complete, it is likely to be overlooked.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10.