Newcastle don’t need goalkeeper Vlachodimos despite some Dubravka mistakes

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Newcastle are keen on a summer swoop for Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos, according to Portuguese publication O Jogo.

They report that the Magpies are willing to battle Roma for the 25-year-old Greek international stopper, and are willing to try either a purchase or a loan option.

Current Magpies glovesman Martin Dubravka was one of the standout successes of 2017/18, but struggled slightly in 2018/19, making more mistakes and not inspiring as much confidence.

But he remains a reliable presence between the sticks, and a leader within the squad and while there are other far more pressing issues in the squad, he shouldn’t be replaced by Vlachodimos this summer.

Dubravka, who Spotrac claim earns £38,000 a week in the north east, is yet another example of the fantastic work Rafa Benitez has done on a tiny budget at Newcastle.

He wouldn’t deserve to be relegated to the bench in favour of a younger international.

With competition from Roma, it’s fair to imagine that the cost of the deal could spiral upwards and Benitez would be best off using that money for new full backs or buying Salomon Rondon this summer.

Dubravka still has more than enough credit and is more than capable of rediscovering top form again in 2019/20.