Newcastle eyeing up move for Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero

Premier League-bound Newcastle United are eyeing up a summer move for Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero, according to The Sunday Mirror (via Tribal Football).

The 35-year-old shot-stopper will be released by the Citizens at the end of the month after just three years at the Etihad Stadium, in which time he made just 47 appearances, and won the League Cup under Manuel Pellegrini in 2016.

Yet this term saw the Argentine occasionally replace Claudio Bravo as City’s number one under Pep Guardiola, making 16 Premier League starts, and although he did reasonably well between the sticks, he is clearly not the answer to their goalkeeping conundrum, and was subsequently released by the club.

Yet Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez reportedly sees a role for Caballero at his newly-promoted Magpies, as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of their return to the Premier League.

The North East giants secured automatic promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking after winning 29 of their 46 league games, finishing nine points clear of third place Reading, and pipping Chris Hughton’s Brighton to the title on the final day of the campaign.

Yet with the futures of Matz Sels and Tim Krul far from certain, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss will need goalkeeping cover, and having the experienced Caballero in his ranks can only benefit both the club and the other shot-stoppers Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot.

And with the 35-year-old available on a free transfer this summer, it’s a deal that could very much take place over the coming weeks.