Newcastle United could renew their interest in January target Bernd Leno if they succeed in their bid to avoid relegation, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
The Magpies currently find themselves in the Premier League’s drop zone and at serious risk of being demoted to the Championship, but the Tynesiders are already putting summer transfer plans in place despite the January window only shutting a matter of days ago.
What's the latest news involving Leno?
According to 90min, Newcastle were interested in striking a deal which would have seen Arsenal goalkeeper Leno head to St James’ Park in the final days of the January transfer window.
The report suggests the Magpies held conversations over a loan deal which would have included an obligation to make the switch permanent should they stave off relegation.
Leno was reportedly keen to seal a move away from the Emirates Stadium due to falling down the pecking order with his current employers.
The German, who is valued at £14.4million by Transfermarkt, has not featured in the Premier League since August after seeing summer signing Aaron Ramsdale take his place between the sticks.
Although a winter move failed to come to fruition, respected journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed two Spanish clubs had made enquiries over ending the 6 ft 3 ace’s time at Arsenal and talks were held with Newcastle on two occasions.
It is understood the Magpies told the nine-cap Germany international they would still be interested in striking a deal in the summer.
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What has Keith Downie said about Leno?
Downie believes Leno is still firmly on Newcastle’s radar despite failing to acquire his services last month.
The Sky Sports reporter reckons head coach Eddie Howe, who moved into the hot seat in November, will reignite his interest if they maintain their Premier League status.
He feels Howe has set his sights on strengthening his goalkeeping options when the transfer window reopens.
Downie told GIVEMESPORT: “I could foreseeably see them, if they stay up, looking to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer and changing things up in the goalkeeping department.
“I think Bernd Leno is someone they would be interested in given his experience in the Premier League already.”
Why is Leno of interest to Newcastle?
Unless he pens a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, Leno may be available for a cut-price fee in the summer due to entering the final 12 months of his £100,000-per-week contract.
Newcastle currently have the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League, meaning Howe is likely to look to bolster his options further in the summer.
The Magpies’ current goalkeeping options are Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie, but Leno boasts plenty of English top flight experience, having appeared in the competition 100 times, so he could be a shrewd signing.