NUFC "will sign..": Reporter drops exciting transfer claim that'll leave Howe buzzing - opinion

A huge Newcastle United claim has emerged regarding the club’s plans for the upcoming summer transfer window… 

Reporter Alan Nixon has revealed that the Magpies “will sign a keeper” ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, in response to a fan questioning the potential pursuit of a new number one.

The journalist initially stated, to the same fan, that signing a goalkeeper will be a priority for PIF as they look to add to Eddie Howe’s squad in the coming months.

The Toon head coach will surely be buzzing with this claim, as it means that PIF are going to try and bring in competition for Martin Dubravka.

Karl Darlow is the current number two at St James’ Park and has left more than a little to be desired with his performances in the Premier League.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the 31-year-old averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.47 across eight starts, placing him 26th in the squad. He conceded 1.9 goals per game and struggled between the sticks at the start of the season when Dubravka was unavailable.

Darlow made one error leading to a goal and gave away one penalty in his eight appearances, to go along with his abysmal ratings, and this indicates that he is not good enough to play for Newcastle on a regular basis. The ex-Forest ‘keeper also completed just 57% of his attempted passes, being found lacking with the ball at his feet.

Therefore,  hedoes not have the quality to come in and adequately replace the Slovakian shot-stopper, and this means that the current goalkeeping contingent is in need of a refresh.

Meanwhile, Dubravka averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.88 across 26 matches and made zero errors directly leading to goals and did not concede a single penalty. He has been a reliable presence between the sticks with