‘Here we go!’ - Fabrizio Romano breakthrough as Newcastle United complete £25m deal

Newcastle United have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Sporting Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.

It is no secret that the Magpies have chased two goalkeepers all summer. France under-21 star Ewen Jaouen arrived but always knew he would play second fiddle to a more experienced shot-stopper.

Newcastle swooped for Czech international Hornicek after a brief enquiry for James Trafford following the World Cup. Hull City previously tried - and failed - to sign the 24-year-old earlier in the window.

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Hornicek made his senior debut for the national side after featuring throughout every youth level. A deal is understood to have progressed over the last 24 hours, with Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano now reporting that Newcastle have activated his £25.6million release clause.

This aligns with Newcastle’s transfer strategy and the player - who snubbed Hull - would be more open to a move. Hornicek is described as a modern, sweeper-keeper goalie who can build attacks from the back.

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He will become the club’s fifth summer signing, after Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba. The Magpies remain in the market for a versatile full-back - an area Eddie Howe described as a priority just hours before resigning as manager.

As for Nick Pope, the club will listen to offers for the veteran as he enters the final year of his contract. The 34-year-old has been available for offers all summer and looked shaky in pre-season fixtures with Gateshead and Bristol City.

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