A group of Newcastle United fans have responded to reports that the club were on the verge of signing Motherwell goalkeeper Mark Gillespie before the Premier League was suspended and news of the takeover emerged, according to The Athletic.
Chris Waugh’s piece claims that earlier in the year, the shot-stopper held ‘extensive discussions’ with the Magpies about signing a pre-contract agreement to move to St. James’ Park when his deal at Motherwell expires at the end of this season.
The 28-year-old has kept 11 clean sheets in 30 Scottish Premiership appearances for the Steelmen this season (via Transfermarkt.co.uk). Gillespie was born in Newcastle and grew up supporting the club, however, it is unclear whether or not the new ownership, subject to the takeover being completed, will sanction the signing.
Here is how some of the club’s faithful have responded to the report.
That’s more like the Newcastle I now… Finally a bit of normality restored. Sign him up…
— Danny Casey ??????? (@hotfuss1988) May 12, 2020
Watch this be our only summer signing ?
— NufcFan (@NufcFan20) May 12, 2020
Koulibaly?
Coutinho?
Vidal?
Cavani?
MARK GILLESPIE??— Ollie Maxwell (@olliemaxwell14) May 12, 2020
Why do we need him? @HecoDubravka @the_dilsh @KarlDarlow and Freddie Woodman on the books.
— Stewart Black (@wor_stew) May 12, 2020
Well this has brought me down to earth.
— Jimmy.woods (@Jimmywoods99) May 12, 2020
Would you be happy to see the club sign Mark Gillespie?
Yes
No
If he signs then the deal is dead… I’m still optimistic but no longer confident and this has Bruce written all over it. The longer this drags out the more damage charnley and Bruce will do.
— steven jones (@towlawstev) May 12, 2020
At this rate we might be back after him
— Thorpe (@thorpe0161) May 12, 2020
What do we think?
Having been linked with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Mauricio Pochettino in recent weeks, it appears this story has brought some of the Newcastle United supporters back down to earth.