Newcastle United are in pole position to sign highly-rated Hajduk Split goalkeeper Karlo Letica, according to The Sun.
The newspaper report that Rafa Benitez deployed his top scout to run the rule over the 21-year-old last week, with Letica valued at around £8million.
The Sun claim that the 6ft 7in giant wants to be handed first-team football if he agrees a move to England, having previously snubbed advances from Manchester United and Real Madrid.
It is said however that Benitez does not think he is ready for a starting spot straight away, and would possibly loan him out to a Championship side.
Hajduk Split currently sit in third in the Croatian top-flight.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Letica is obviously destined for the top, and the Magpies would do very well to secure his signature.
However, the club do not have much of a need for a first-team goalkeeper right now, with Martin Dubravka set to sign permanently this summer.
As the report suggests, that may see Newcastle loan Letica out, and raises questions about whether this is a deal that is worth the club’s time at the moment.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
It is said that Newcastle are at the front of the queue to sign Letica, so in that regard they are in a good position.
However, if Benitez does not believe he is ready, then it will be down to Letica to decide if he wants to go out on loan to the Championship.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10