The English Premier League said Newcastle United is beginning their initial pursuit of both Jamie Gittens and Gregor Kobel from Borussia Dortmund according to the Daily Mail. Newcastle are in pole position to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, and manager Eddie Howe is looking for experienced players to enhance his squad next term.
Newcastle is in the market for a new keeper, as their regular number one, Nick Pope, has not looked as sharp. Their backup keeper, meanwhile, is 36 and entering his final contract year. With European football in the near future, Newcastle may seek a new keeper on a long-term contract. While it’s unclear whether BVB would let the Swiss shot-stopper leave, one major blow in their pursuit could be Borussia Dortmund’s possible qualification for the UEFA Champions League this weekend.
Jamie Gittens is the more reasonable deal that could materialize. The English winger started the season in electric form, but he’s underwhelmed since Niko Kovač’s appointment, and it’s well understood that Gittens will leave this summer. The English winger has 12 goals and five assists in all competitions this season, but just one league goal under Niko Kovač. Newcastle is expected to battle rivals Arsenal and Chelsea FC for Gittens’s signature.
Borussia Dortmund is expected to entertain offers for Gittens in the range of 50-60 million euros, but if the English talent continues attracting interest from around his home country, then we could see his price tag rise as multiple clubs battle for his signature. Only time will tell us where Jamie Gittens will play next season.