Newcastle set sights on ‘explosive’ 6ft 4in international – report

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Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing Thomas Strakosha, according to The Times.

The Magpies are under new ownership and, while they are effectively the richest club in the world, they’re fighting for their Premier League lives.

Newcastle are currently 19th in the table and have a lot of work to do if they are to secure safety and kick on next season.

According to The Times, Magpies officials see Italy as an ideal market to raid when the transfer window opens in January.

Lazio goalkeeper and Albania international Strakosha is reportedly on the Newcastle radar, as are Inter Milan duo Stefan de Vrij and Marcelo Brozovic.

While the latter two were linked with Newcastle earlier this year, Strakosha appears to be a new link.

The 26-year-old has come through the ranks at the Rome-based club and has made 181 senior appearances, plus 18 caps for his nation.

Strakosha also has four senior trophies to his name – two Italian Cups and two Italian Super Cups.

Former Lazio keeper Silvio Proto told The Laziali in 2018 that he felt Strakosha was a star in the making.

“I’ve never seen a strong goalkeeper like him, behind a group with so much quality,” he said.

“The Albanian is young, big physically, explosive… he has everything you need to make a career at the top.”