Dan Ashworth plan backfires as Brighton stick prohibitive price on Robert Sanchez amid Newcastle transfer plan

Brighton will demand £50million for Spain goalkeeper Robert Sanchez with Newcastle among those keen on his signature, TEAMtalk understands.

The 24-year-old has been outstanding for the Seagulls since becoming their number in 2020. Sanchez came through Brighton’s youth system and is now considered one of the Premier League’s top number ones.

His form has seen him called up by Spain, with the star earning his first senior cap earlier this season. As part of Luis Enrique’s top-three keepers, he looks on course to be part of their World Cup squad. That spells bad news for 45-times capped Man Utd keeper David De Gea.

However, unsurprisingly Sanchez’s form has not gone unnoticed and a number of clubs are looking closely at him.

Leicester were among those linked earlier in the season, amid claims Kasper Schmeichel is nearing an exit at the King Power Stadium. The experienced Dane is reportedly considering a move elsewhere following 11 seasons with the Foxes.

However, Newcastle are also reportedly keen. The Magpies have already raided the Seagulls once this year with Dan Burn moving north.

And Newcastle, now under the stewardship of former Brighton chief Ashworth, are also seemingly in the mix.

We understand, though, that the Seagulls will not let Sanchez leave without a fight.

Furthermore, Brighton do not fear his exit, given he has a contract until 2025. As a result, they have made it clear to Sanchez’s suitors that it would take a fee of at least £50million for the 24-year-old.

Robert Sanchez fee should be enough to dissuade Newcastle from a move

Their asking price is likely to be enough to put Newcastle off from following through with their interest.

As good as Sanchez is – and he is, quite rightly, regarded as one of the best in England – the £50m fee on his head is probably seen as prohibitive.

Newcastle are in the market it would seem for a new goalkeeper. To that end, they are reportedly chasing Dean Henderson, while FC Porto’s Diogo Costa is also an option.

However, in Martin Dubravka, Newcastle have a safe pair of hands should they fail to land a new No 1.

He has the trust of Eddie Howe, which means the Magpies boss looks unlikely to break the bank on a successor.

Instead, Newcastle will spend their cash on upgrading their attack and their defence.

They are seemingly still on the trail of Sven Botman, though hopes of a deal for Nathan Ake look to be over.