'This is' - Newcastle United transfer target drops hint over future as £35m talks take place

Giorgi Mamardashvili has hinted at staying with Valencia just days after saying his future would be decided “very soon”.

Newcastle United have been heavily linked with the 6ft 6in goalkeeper with sources in Spain claiming talks have taken place over a £35million deal. Exit talk was further fuelled last week when it was revealed Valencia had agreed to sign Rayo Vallecano No.1 Stole Dimitrievski on a free transfer window.

However, Mamardashvili’s latest comments have suggested his departure isn’t as nailed on as some may think. After making his 100th appearance for Valencia on the final day of the La Liga season on Sunday, the 23-year-old interestingly said “this is just beginning” and “let’s go for more”.

“Hit 100 games in this shirt yesterday and I couldn't be more proud,” Mamardashvili posted on Instagram. “Defending this shield for these 3 years has been an honour and a privilege. Every minute on the field, every workout, and every challenge has been worth it.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me get here: teammates, coaches, and of course the fans. This is just the beginning, let's go for more! UP ALL THE WAY! 🦇🧡”

In an interview earlier this week, the Georgia international claimed there would be an update on his future “very soon”. Newcastle aren’t the only club reportedly showing interest. Last year, Mamardashvili came close to joining German giants Bayern Munich.

He told Geo-Team: "My future will be clear very soon. Now I don't think about anything else, because I have an important tournament ahead of me with the Georgia team. Valencia is my home. They gave me a football career."

"My transfer to Bayern Munich was almost finalized last summer. My agent travelled with my father to Munich to look for an apartment. But, as far as I know, in the end they refused to pay 35 million for me.”

Mamardashvili missed just one of Valencia’s 38 league matches in 23-24 and kept 13 clean sheets. Signing a goalkeeper would be to rival Nick Pope with Loris Karius leaving at the end of his contract next month and Martin Dubravka’s future uncertain.