Newcastle United ‘give up’ on £35m Valencia game-changer as fresh Nick Pope competition becomes clear

Newcastle United have ended their pursuit of Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to reports. 

It is no secret that the Magpies are aiming to bolster their ranks between the sticks this summer. Aaron Ramsdale received an early mention but Arsenal’s steep price tag is thought to have repelled Toon chiefs.

Burnley youngster James Trafford is also linked with Newcastle following Premier League relegation. The 21-year-old - a former Manchester City academy graduate - made England’s provisional 26-man squad for Euro 2024 before being culled.

But Valencia shot-stopper Mamardashvili has also been linked with joining the Saudi-backed revolution. Currently preparing for Georgia’s first major tournament, the 23-year-old finished last season with the fourth-most clean sheets in La Liga. 

The Spanish outfit need to create wiggle room on the balance sheet and a £35million asking price was mooted. However, Super Deporte, a local Valencia media outlet, claim Los Ches were being “too ambitious” with their demands.

Newcastle have since abandoned the chase and now make Trafford their No.1 target to rival Nick Pope. While the 32-year-old remains Eddie Howe’s first choice, there are concerns about the shoulder injury he suffered last season.

Add in Loris Karius and Martin Dubravka’s likely exits and the Magpies need a competitive understudy to Pope. Mark Gillespie was retained on a one-year deal but has no serious prospects of breaking into the team.

The Daily Mail claim Burnley want at least £20million - the fee they paid to Manchester City a year ago - for Trafford. He has also attracted surprise interest from Bayern Munich, now managed by former Clarets boss Vincent Kompany.