Eddie Howe is hoping to bring at least one centre-back signing to Newcastle this summer (Image: Getty)
Eddie Howe could be about to bounce back from Newcastle United's doomed pursuit of Chelsea-bound Tosin Adarabioyo by signing goalkeeper Giorgo Mamardashvili. The Blues have reportedly been tracking the Valencia stopper for over a year, but they may ultimately miss out as the Magpies put their interest into action.
Mamardashvili has spent the last two-and-a-half seasons as Valencia's first choice between the sticks, racking up 100 appearances for the Spanish side despite the fact he's only 23 years old.
Comfortable at the top level and a towering 6ft 6in tall, Mamardashvili has emerged as a prominent target for cash-rich clubs in need of a goalkeeper upgrade this summer, including Newcastle and Chelsea.
The Magpies played with back-up option Martin Dubravka in goal for most of last season due to Nick Pope's injury woes, while Chelsea's new manager, Enzo Maresca, reportedly wants a new No 1 capable of playing out from the back.
According to Spanish radio station COPE, Newcastle have surged ahead in the race for Mamardashvili by submitting a £35million bid. The Georgian international has an £85m release clause in his contract but it is believed that Valencia would be willing to sell for a considerably lower fee.
Beating Chelsea to Mamardashvili's signature would surely taste sweet for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, having seen his side's move for Adarabioyo hijacked by the Blues, who are expected to agree a free transfer for the centre-back over the coming days.
Giorgi Mamardashvili helped Valencia to a ninth-place La Liga finish last season (Image: Getty)
Chelsea reportedly offered better contract terms than Newcastle as they look to kick off Maresca's tenure with a bang. The Londoners' squad is already flush with centre-backs as Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill prepare to battle it out for minutes.
Trevoh Chalobah may also be in the equation next season, but he is widely expected to be sold this summer. With Adarabioyo snubbing the chance to move up north, Newcastle have turned their attention to Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
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Reports indicate that Newcastle have already submitted a contract offer to Kelly, whose Cherries deal expires this month, and negotiations are set to ramp up this week as the Tynesiders look to fend off competition from a range of Champions League sides.
Howe can already call on Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles at centre-back, but Kelly would provide another talented option at St James' Park if the club are able to complete the transfer.
