09 December 2023 , 20:30
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Newcastle will consider a second shock swoop for Hugo Lloris next month if Eddie Howe decides he requires extra cover for Nick Pope.
The England international is set to miss up to four months of action after dislocating his shoulder in the 1-0 victory over Manchester United last weekend. While Howe has full faith in former No.1 Martin Dubravka, the Magpies are already discussing potential solutions they could seek to explore in the transfer market to bolster their goalkeeping department.
Among them is free-agent David de Gea, who is open to the move, while 36-year-old Tottenham outcast Lloris is also rated highly by the Newcastle hierarchy. The Magpies previously tried and failed with a deadline-day loan move for Lloris in September but the surprise offer was politely rejected by the World Cup winner.
Lloris felt it was too late in the window to jump ship even though it was clear he would not be part of Ange Postecoglou's plans for the 2023/24 season. His current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2024 and for that reason, Tottenham are keen to move their former captain on this winter as it represents the chance to save some funds.
Newcastle are only likely to consider a loan until the end of the season, however, though that could effectively still prove beneficial for Tottenham. Paris Saint-Germain's Keylor Navas, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Nottingham Forest, could also enter Newcastle's thinking should Howe wish to bolster his pack.
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The Newcastle boss has already laid on record that the club are yet to make formal enquiries for De Gea or any other goalkeeper, stating earlier this week: “We have not made any inquiries or any decisions about our recruitment leading into January. This is a chance for the goalkeepers we have at the football club to consolidate their positions, and that will be the same for every other position at the club.”
Nick Pope discloated his shoulder against Manchester United (PA)Dubravka suffered a brief injury scare during Thursday's 3-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park but thankfully for Newcastle, he was able to continue. Howe said of the Slovak's fitness on Friday: "I think he got a couple of knocks in the game. I don't know of any permanent problem to his back."
While Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie would both be ready to step in as cover if required, there is an argument that they are not Premier League standard. Karius' only appearance for Newcastle came in last season's Carabao Cup final against Manchester United when Pope was ruled out through suspension and Dubravka was ineligible.