Newcastle could have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, after TuttoMercatoWeb claim he has told his club he wants to leave. Newcastle have been linked in the past few weeks.
Strakosha, 26, has been forced to watch from the sidelines for much of the season under Maurizio Sarri. Veteran Pepe Reina started the season in goal – but after conceding three in his last 10 games, Strakosha came in.
Indeed, the Albania international has since started the last four games. Although Lazio have failed to keep a clean sheet in any, Strakosha has helped Sarri’s men win three of those four – conceding only five in the mean time.
The Times reported in November that Strakosha has been identified as a possible replacement for Martin Dubravka, between the sticks. Now, it appears Strakosha has informed Lazio of his desire to leave the club.
TMW also claim that Lazio have already identified a replacement – in the form of ex-Arsenal goalkeeper, and current Napoli ace David Ospina. Strakosha is out of contract at the end of the season.
Strakosha boost: Should Newcastle pounce, and sign Lazio goalkeeper?
At one point, Strakosha was earmarked as one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers. His contractual situation at Lazio has seen him benched at times – despite The Laziali reporting that he wants just £32,000 a week to stay.
Whether a deal gets done for Strakosha to remains to be seen, but in a few days, Newcastle will be able to approach Strakosha on a pre-contract agreement. If able to be signed on a free, it is an utter no-brainer.
