Buffon’s PSG move could help Newcastle seal €15m-rated keeper

Oli Fisher

Gianluigi Buffon’s move to PSG could help Newcastle sign a €15m goalkeeper, according to a report.

French outlet L’Equipe claim that Buffon’s impending move to the Ligue 1 champions could force Alphonse Areola out of the club.

They go on to state that a €15m move to Tyneside is on the cards for Areola, with Newcastle targeting a move for the 25-year-old Frenchman due to the uncertain situation surrounding on-loan stopper Martin Dúbravka.

Meanwhile, Spanish paper AS claims that LaLiga duo Athletic Bilbao and Real Betis have been quoted a price of €10m if they want to sign Mikel Merino from Newcastle this summer.

Merino joined Newcastle on loan from Borussia Dortmund last summer, and triggered a clause in the deal in October based on appearances, which meant the Magpies had to sign him permanently to a five-year deal.

Rafa Benitez could sell the Spaniard, who started the season well before struggling for game time following a back problem.