Newcastle might consider signing goalkeeper Bernd Leno this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Eddie Howe is likely to target a new shotstopper ahead of next season after missing out on adding one to his squad in January.

What's the latest news involving Leno?

According to The Sun, Newcastle were keen on signing the Germany international in January, with Arsenal willing to let him move to St James' Park on loan for the rest of the campaign, although only if they signed USA keeper Matt Turner.

They did end up signing the American, but he won't join until June, meaning Leno was required to stay and provide competition for Aaron Ramsdale.

Leno, who was once described as the "saviour" by Ian Wright, has made 124 appearances since he signed for the Gunners from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2018, although the arrival of Ramsdale last summer was the beginning of the end of his time in North London.

As a result, the 30-year-old hasn't started a Premier League game since August, with his only four appearances coming in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, although he was described as a "top professional" by Mikel Arteta for the way he reacted to being dropped.

By the time the summer comes around, Leno will have entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates, which could pave the way for him to leave the club.

And O'Rourke reckons that Newcastle, who've had goalkeeping problems this season, using no less than three in the Premier League, could become an option for him.

What did O'Rourke say about Leno?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I think that at Arsenal he's well down the pecking order behind Aaron Ramsdale, so I think Leno would be interested in a move away from the Emirates Stadium, so that might be something they look at."

Rio Ferdinand SLAMS Marcus Rashford! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

Would Leno be a good signing for Newcastle?

They have been linked with a host of goalkeepers in recent months, including Dean Henderson, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Sam Johnstone to name a few.

But in terms of Premier League proven, none of those three have performed as consistently at this level as Leno. The Arsenal shotstopper's form dipped during his last six months as number one but he was generally a reliable figure between the sticks for Mikel Arteta.

During the Covid-hit 2019-2020 campaign, Leno came second in the club's player of the season award, behind only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, highlighting exactly how good he's been for the Gunners at various points.

Therefore, if he's available, Newcastle could do far worse than making him one of their top targets.