Newcastle United are plotting a swoop to sign Benfica shot-stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos, according to TeamTalk.
The news outlet claims that there could be loan or permanent exits for fringe goalkeepers Rob Elliot, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman this summer and Vlachodimos, 25, may be brought in at St James’ Park to provide competition to current number one Martin Dubravka.
It is understood that the Greece international is valued at £13.2million by Benfica, who won the 2018/19 Liga NOS title with the 6ft 3 [transfermarkt] colossus in between the sticks for every league match this season.
Good move for Newcastle?
Vlachodimos is a decent goalkeeper and has had a really good season for Benfica, keeping 19 clean sheets and conceding 50 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions, 20 of which were conceded in European competition.
However is there really any need for Newcastle to sign a new goalkeeper unless there are serious concerns about Dubravka’s future at St James’ Park?
It would take a lot of money to sign Vlachodimos with him reportedly valued at £13.2million by Benfica, so what is the point when the Magpies already have a perfectly capable shot-stopper in Dubravka?
As good as Vlachodimos is, buying him would be a waste of money that would be better spent elsewhere on the squad.
This is Futbol rating 3/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle are unlikely to be looking too much into summer transfer targets when both the futures of Mike Ashley and Rafa Benitez are up in the air.
Plus the interest in Vlachodimos does not really make a lot of sense when even the top Premier League teams refuse to spend too much money on a second-choice goalkeeper.
He could head to Newcastle if Dubravka leaves, but that does not seem to be on the cards at the moment.
This is Futbol rating 1/10