Newcastle United closing in on fifth summer signing as £25.6m deal agreed claim made
Newcastle United transfers: The Magpies are pushing to make Lukas Hornicek their fifth summer signing.
Newcastle United are set to step up their goalkeeper pursuit this week, with Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek a top target.
Sources in Portugal have claimed the Magpies have triggered the 24-year-old’s £25.6million release clause. While those claims have been played down, The Gazette understands that the Magpies are confident of striking a deal with the Czech international goalkeeper.
Braga are set to face Železničar Pančevo in the Conference League qualifiers this week, but Hornicek is not expected to be involved amid Newcastle’s move for the goalkeeper.
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Premier League newcomers Hull City are also interested in Hornicek and could make a move that would leave the goalkeeper with a decision to make over his future.
Newcastle’s move comes as Leeds United moved to sign long-term goalkeeper target James Trafford. The Magpies retained an interest in Trafford this summer but felt a deal would be difficult to do due to the finances involved with Leeds agreeing a £40million fee with Manchester City, plus add-ons and a significant wage packet.
Newcastle have already signed one goalkeeper this summer with 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen joining from Stade de Reims for £18million. The young shot-stopper started the friendly match at Bristol City on Wednesday night with Nick Pope on the bench.
Hornicek’s potential arrival could spell the end of Pope’s time at Newcastle after four years. As reported by The Gazette earlier this summer, the 34-year-old has been made available to leave Newcastle this summer.