Newcastle reignite interest in £45m target after Liverpool snub - The Times
by Jaspar Shepherdson · 18 August 2024, 19:36
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez did not make the squad for their opening day fixture away to Ipswich, and it's being reported that the 27-year-old is "exploring his options" over a potential move away from the club.
According to Paul Joyce at The Times, Newcastle are one of several Premier League clubs who are keen on Gomez, with Aston Villa, Fulham and Chelsea also named in the piece.
Widely praised for his versatility in defence, where Gomez can cover at centre-back and both full-back positions, competition with both Jarell Quansah (who started against Ipswich) and Ibrahima Konate (who came on at half time for Arne Slot's side) to partner Virgil Van Dijk could see Gomez consigned to the bench for much of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Earlier this summer, it was revealed that Gomez was set to have a medical with Newcastle ahead of a proposed swap deal between the two clubs, which would have seen Anthony Gordon return to Merseyside in exchange for Gomez and a fee in the region of £30m. This reported swap deal ultimately collapsed as Newcastle opted to sell both Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to abide by the much-maligned Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
Liverpool are said to value Gomez at around £45m, and with Crystal Palace currently not budging on their demands for Marc Guehi, it wouldn't be a surprise for Newcastle to opt for the more affordable, perhaps better-suited choice in Gomez.
In his time at Liverpool, whom he joined in 2015 from Charlton, Gomez has made 224 appearances for the Reds and won seven major honours with the club, including the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League and the 2019/20 Premier League title.
