German media conflicted over Newcastle bid for Moritz Nicolas
Newcastle United are still in the market for another goalkeeper despite already having signed Ewen Jaoeun at the start of the window.
Ewen Jaoeun has been told that his role will be as backup to the first-choice keeper, whoever that may be, by the time the season gets underway.
As things stand, it will be Nick Pope who remains on the books at Newcastle despite interest from Leeds United and Ipswich Town.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are thought to be keen on James Trafford (again), while they are also looking at Bart Verbruggen of Brighton and Robin Risser from Lens.
No bid for Moritz Nicolas
As well as those three targets, reports in Germany coming from Bild (via Bulinews) have claimed that Newcastle have made an approach for Borussia Mönchengladbach goalkeeper Moritz Nicolas.
The 28-year-old hasn't been mentioned before and his name just came out of nowhere when Bild's claims dropped. However, Sean Steur's name wasn't mentioned before it was revealed that he was heading to Newcastle, so that doesn't make the claims any less plausible.
Having said that, though, Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg moved to quash the rumours on X, saying that there has been no contact between the two clubs over Moritz Nicolas.
"Rumours linking Newcastle with Moritz Nicolas are currently wide of the mark.
"No talks. No negotiations. No interest registered.
"There is also no €12m offer on the table.
"Ross Wilson and Rouven Schröder have known and respected each other for years, and they are currently not in contact regarding Nicolas. #NUFC"
Trafford is the priority
Like we said, just because his name hadn't come up before doesn't mean there's no interest there from Newcastle, but given the shortlist ahead of him, and the fact that James Trafford remains in play, we're more inclined to believe Florian Plettenberg on this one.
Our feeling is that Newcastle will push to land Trafford after the World Cup and then, if that fails, they'll make a move for Robin Risser. Bart Vebruggen was impressive for the Netherlands at the World Cup and that could change Brighton's plans.
As long as we aren't going into the season with Nick Pope still as first choice, that's our main concern right now. We love Pope for what he's done for us, but the trust has gone. He's too wild when he comes off his line, and his kicking should be studied for years because how someone can become a professional footballer, an England international even, and not be able to kick a ball is truly astonishing.
