OPINION
Rafa Benitez is said to be in talks with West Ham over a move that would see goalkeeper Adrian join Newcastle this summer.
The Evening Chronicle claim that Newcastle are interested in signing the 30-year-old after the Hammers completed the signing of Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart.
It it said that Stoke City’s Joselu is also on the shortlist of the Toon, as Benitez looks to build a squad that is capable of fending off a relegation fight during the 2017-18 Premier League season.
The Spanish goalkeeper struggled to hold down the number one jersey at West Ham last season, with Slaven Bilic chopping and changing between the former Real Betis ace Darren Randolph.
However, West Ham’s number 13 is a proven Premier League performer, keeping 30 clean sheets in 106 top-flight encounters and Newcastle want to take advantage of that by bringing him to St. James’ Park.
Here, This Is Futbol analyses if signing Adrian is a good move for Newcastle, and whether the move seems to be likely.
Good move for Newcastle?
There is no doubt that signing Adrian would be a top signing, despite Newcastle possessing an abundance of goalkeepers already on Tyneside.
However, Rob Elliot and Tim Krul are coming back from long-term knee injuries and it remains to be seen if they have retained the quality that they have previously shown.
Matz Sels has joined Anderlecht on loan, while Freddie Woodman is expected to join him and Karl Darlow is not considered strong enough for Premier League football.
Bringing in a stopper that is proven in the top flight of English football is key, then, and Adrian is that man at what is likely to be a small price.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.
Likely to happen?
Adrian is now likely to be on the lookout for a move away from the London Stadium following the signing of Hart, as he looks to prevent his career from stagnating.
The Spaniard is of the age where regular first-team football is a must to help him prolong his career in to his late thirties and perhaps forties, but he is unlikely to receive much of that with Hart above him in the pecking order.
Newcastle have been keen to add Spaniards to a side that already boasts Ayoze Perez, Jesus Gamez, Benitez and plenty of Spanish coaching staff, which is seen in signings Mikel Merino and Javier Manquillo.
Adding Adrian to that mix seems increasingly likely, as the goalkeeper looks for first-team football.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.