Noel Whelan says Newcastle should sign Sanchez from Brighton

Newcastle United aren’t short of goalkeepers with Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie in the first-team, but Darlow may seek an exit from St James’ Park this summer as he’s no longer commanding a starting place, so there may be room for a new face.

The Magpies have lucrative resources following their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, so Eddie Howe might look to upgrade in every position possible. Dubravka is a regular between the sticks, but Newcastle are being linked with replacements.

Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper Robert Sanchez is of many goalkeepers on Newcastle’s radar and Noel Whelan believes he’d be a great signing. He told Football Insider: “There’s no doubt they need these sorts of reinforcements. They are going to need strength in depth in order to make their way up the table.”

Sanchez joined the Seagulls from Levante in 2013 and has gone on to make 42 appearances for the U23s, conceding 39 goals with 16 clean sheets. He’s featured 57 times for Brighton’s first-team, conceding 64 goals with 18 clean sheets. Sanchez has represented the Spanish national team on one occasion and looks to have a bright future.

Whelan added: “At 24 years of age, he is someone who can have that longevity at the club – as we know, goalkeepers can go on to play into their forties. He’s a real star for the future, a Spain international already. Sanchez coming in certainly wouldn’t hurt.

“It’s a bit of competition for Dubravka, who has really steadied the ship since coming back in. I thought when he was out, they were really lacking in the goalkeeping department, so Eddie Howe will be looking to address that situation immediately.”

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