Newcastle transfer news: Kasper Schmeichel a target as search for new number one continues

Newcastle are being linked with a surprise move for Leicester star Kasper Schmeichel amid the keeper’s impending contract expiry.

This comes from a talkSPORT report in which they detail Brendan Rodgers’ plans for a summer clear-out. Nobody is ruled out from a move away from the club, the report states. Schmeichel is but one of the potential big-name departures occurring this summer.

Fan-favourite, Youri Tielemans, is one of the players who is almost guaranteed a permanent move away, according to the report.

The Foxes, yet again, fell short of qualifying for a European campaign this term. It has been a season to forget for Rodgers’ team with no silverware and a mid-table finish looming.

Newcastle have been persistently linked with a magnitude of players but they are reportedly keen on signing a new number one.

Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow have been deployed in net for the entirety of Newcastle’s season. The former has been in stellar form of late however and is getting back into the swing of things.

Despite Dubravka’s purple patch of form, a goalkeeper is still on top of Eddie Howe’s priority list.

“We’re well aware that we have to change the squad and we have to make improvements, but it’s going to be a difficult balance,” Howe said via the Daily Mirror.

Kasper Schmeichel and Martin Dubravka compared

Schmeichel will be 36 by the time his contract expires next year, whereas Dubravka will be 34.

The pair are close in age. Schmeichel, however, has much more Premier League experience but the duo have played to the same standard this year.

According to WhoScored Schmeichel has averaged a rating of 6.66. On the contrary, Dubravka has averaged 6.59 which showcases the minimal difference between the two.

They have also both achieved seven clean sheets during the Premier League campaign, although Dubravka has played 11 less times.

When looking at the goals the pair have conceded in the Premier League the numbers are similar, yet again. Schmeichel has conceded 1.6 per game and Dubravka has conceded less with 1.4.

talkSPORT also mentioned that contract talks between Leicester and Schmeichel are set to begin once the current season ends.

This makes a deal much harder for Newcastle to achieve as Leicester will likely be offering thier captain a sizeable sum.

Where Newcastle should upgrade

On statistics alone, there would be no need to sign Schmeichel as Dubravka is seemingly just as good as the Dane.

Newcastle splashed the cash in January with transfer fees amounting to around £94m.

The Magpies need a striker they can rely on as both Chris Wood and Calum Wilson are inconsistent.

They could also do with bolstering their midfield ranks despite both Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes performing exceptionally so far.

There’s no question that Howe’s camp still needs rebuilding but it can’t all happen at once. These things take time and goalkeeper should be further down the list than the aforementioned positions.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has given a big update on the chase for Newcastle and Liverpool target Arnaut Danjuma.