adminNewcastle United are in the market for two goalkeepers this summer following the £18 million signing of Ewen Jaouen at the start of the transfer window.
The Magpies have loaned out Odysseas Vlachodimos for the second successive season, released John Ruddy, and decided not to trigger the option to make Aaron Ramsdale’s loan move from Southampton permanent. That leaves Nick Pope, Jaouen and Mark Gillespie as the club’s current senior goalkeepers.
With Newcastle open to selling Pope this summer, and the England international attracting interest from other Premier League clubs, the club are targeting replacements. They are also looking to sign a new third-choice goalkeeper following Ruddy’s departure.
James Trafford has been Newcastle’s top goalkeeping target since 2024, but the club have so far failed to complete a deal for the Manchester City goalkeeper.
Trafford has previously agreed to join Newcastle and remains open to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer after limited Premier League opportunities following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival last year.
The Gazette previously reported that Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was also on Newcastle’s shortlist, although he is expected to be too expensive. Now, another Brighton goalkeeper has been linked with a move to St James’ Park.
According to the Mail Online, Newcastle have added 25-year-old Carl Rushworth to their list of goalkeeper targets and are in talks over a potential transfer. The report also states that discussions regarding a move for Trafford are continuing.
However, The Gazette understands Newcastle are not actively pursuing Rushworth while a move for Trafford remains possible, despite the financial challenges involved.
Although Trafford agreed to join Newcastle in both 2024 and 2025, convincing him this summer may be more difficult following the club’s 12th-place Premier League finish and a frustrating transfer window so far.
Despite spending his entire professional career under contract with Brighton, Rushworth has yet to make a competitive appearance for the club. Instead, he has gained experience through several loan spells.
Last season, he played all 46 Championship matches for Coventry City as they won the league title. He also made three appearances for Hull City during the 2024/25 campaign and has previously enjoyed loan spells at Swansea City, Lincoln City, Walsall and Worthing.
Rushworth is entering the final year of his Brighton contract, with Coventry City also linked with a permanent move after his impressive loan spell.
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