Newcastle United 'clinch deal' ahead of takeover

Sky Sports report that the goalkeeper will join the club, which is the subject of a £300million takeover, as a free agent after leaving Motherwell this summer.

Gillespie started out at Newcastle’s Academy, but left aged 16 and joined Carlisle United.

The 28-year-old will reportedly replace 34-year-old Rob Elliot, who has been released by United after nine years on Tyneside. Gillespie – who had a loan spell at Blyth Spartans a decade ago – joined Motherwell two years ago after a season at Walsall.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City head coach Steve Bruce said: “We still have to plan ahead. That’s always a manager or coach’s job. You can’t stand still – if you stand still, you lose. We’re still working away on one or two things – it’s just business as usual.”

Meanwhile, Elliot – who had made 68 appearances for Newcastle over the past nine years – posted a farewell message on Twitter.

“To everyone connected to Newcastle United, just something I’ve tried to write down as I leave, doesn’t do anyone or the time justice but hope it’s understood how much the last nine years have meant,” said Elliot.

“I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of myself and my family to everyone connected with Newcastle United.

“A massive thank you to everyone at the club both past and present for helping me over the last nine years. It truly has been an amazing experience.”