Newcastle United are unlikely to renew their interest in AS Roma goalkeeper Pau Lopez in the January transfer window, despite the Italian club being keen to move the Spaniard on.
The Magpies, alongside both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, were interested in making a move for Lopez during the summer, per Calciomercato. However, a swoop for the 25-year-old never materialised and he instead stayed in Rome to fight for his first-team place.
Newcastle content with options between the sticks
It has now emerged that Roma are keen to get Lopez off their books, with the keeper having fallen out of favour at the Stadio Olimpico, per Calciomercato. That comes after the Spain international made 32 Serie A appearances last term after joining the Italian club in a £21 million move from Real Betis.
The Magpies have endured injury troubles in the goalkeeping department, with Martin Dubravka set to be out until December after complications with his recovery from a heel injury, per The Times. Newcastle, though, are thought to be content with their options, per Calciomercato. That comes after Karl Darlow’s impressive form at the start of the campaign.
It looks like Lopez will have to concentrate on securing a move away from Roma somewhere other than the Premier League with West Ham and Tottenham also content with their current goalkeeping options, per the report.
Darlow’s form means no need for Lopez gamble
When Dubravka suffered his injury there were some fears that the Magpies could struggle this term with their keepers. However, after two years out in the cold Darlow has come into the side and been a very consistent performer, averaging 5.2 saves per game (Sofascore).
That means Bruce does not need to gamble on Lopez, who has struggled to adapt to life in Italian football. The 25-year-old was once described as having a ‘lot of quality’ by Hugo Lloris during his short-spell with Tottenham, and he did enjoy an impressive campaign with Real Betis in 2018/19, making 2.6 saves per game (Sofascore). But it still would have been a risk to sign him after his Roma struggles.
In other news, find out which Newcastle ace had provided Bruce with another major worry after the latest update here and don’t forget to leave a comment below!
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