Newcastle have ‘taken real step’ for signing after speaking to player – Magpies in disagreement with Howe, manager wants another player

Earlier on Wednesday, Marca stated Newcastle United have made contact to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

This is backed up by journalist Nacho Sanchis, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share more updates on this case.

Newcastle are in the market for a new stopper and the 23-year-old is on their list.

Last weekend, they sent a scout to watch him live in action in his side’s goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano, and it wasn’t the first time the Magpies have followed Los Ches matches this season.

The Georgia international has kept 13 clean sheets and conceded 35 goals from 34 games this season, and has attracted interest from several clubs.

Sanchis says Newcastle are the only club to have personally spoken to him and have ‘taken a real step’ to bring him to the club. They want a top stopper, and must decide between Mamardashvili and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.

Newcastle are said to want the Valencia star while Eddie Howe wants to bet on the Gunners stopper. The manager knows Ramsdale well from their time at AFC Bournemouth and seems to be keen on reuniting with him at the Tyneside club.

According to the journalist, the price tag can ‘tip the balance’ on the final choice. Los Ches want at least €35m, while recent claims in the UK have stated Arsenal want around €30m for their player.

Mamardashvili wants to join a club that could assure him the No.1 spot, and this may not be possible at Newcastle because of Nick Pope. Despite having the need to raise funds, the report states the La Liga side are in no rush to sell him.

Sanchis says these are the additional factors that need to be considered by Newcastle or any other club that want to sign the Georgian.