Report: Newcastle have 'positioned themselves' as frontrunners to land £34m goalkeeper this summer

There is expected to be a lot of change in the goalkeeping department at Newcastle United this summer.

First-choice 'keeper Nick Pope has spent a large portion of this season sidelined through injury which has meant Eddie Howe has had to rely on back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka more than he would perhaps have liked.

In a season where Newcastle's defence hasn't been at its best to start with, Dubravka has struggled for form and has often come under fire from fans for his poor decision-making.

Third-choice 'keeper Loris Karius got his customary one game of the season against Arsenal where he leaked four goals. Karius' contract at Newcastle is up at the end of the season and he's heading off to pastures new.

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We expect Martin Dubravka will leave Newcastle this summer

We expect that Martin Dubravka won't be far behind him leaving Newcastle with just Nick Pope and Mark 'Never seen him kick a ball' Gillespie.

Yesterday it was reported that Newcastle were eyeing veteran 'keeper Alex McCarthy who is out of contract at Southampton this summer, but he seems like the replacement for Karius.

Aaron Ramsdale was thought to be high on Eddie Howe's wish list, but reports from Marca in Spain (via Sport Witness) are suggesting that Newcastle's actual first choice is Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.

Newcastle should be able to bring down Valencia's £34m asking price

Valencia are said to want negotiations to start at around £34million for the Georgian with Newcastle at the front of the queue. Valencia are resigned to losing him this summer as their financial situation means they need to sell.

Newcastle aren't in the best financial situation either in terms of transfer budget thanks to Financial Fair Play, so there may be some room to negotiate the price down.

At just 23, Mamardashvili is still a baby in goalkeeping terms which means if he can live up to his potential at Newcastle we could have a 'keeper who could stick around for many years to come. £34million would definitely feel like more of an investment than a punt.