Newcastle United have joined Manchester City in the race for an ‘excellent’ goalkeeper, according to a recent report.

The Premier League campaign is beginning to draw to a close and with that said, attention will start to turn toward the fast approaching summer transfer window.

Newcastle and City chiefs are already lining up their business as they look to strengthen their squad for next season.

With that said, the duo are eying the same player as scouts jet out overseason to monitor him.

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Newcastle United and Manchester City eye Nikola Cavlina

Newcastle and City sent scouts to Croatia to keep close tabs on Nikola Cavlina, a 21-year-old goalkeeper for NK Lokomotiva.

That’s according to L’Interista, who claim Serie A giants Inter are also taking a look at the 2002-born shot-stopper.

He shares the same agent as City defender Josko Gvardiol, so Pep Guardiola’s men may be in pole position to land his signature.

“I am also Gvardiol’s agent. I can only say that my approach with Matković will be the same. He will take the right step at the right time,” Marjan Sisic said.

Indeed, the Citizens already have an elite number one in the form of Ederson, whereas Newcastle could be open to replacing Nick Pope.

Perhaps a move to Tyneside may be more appealing for that reason.

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Newcastle United may move on from Nick Pope

Eddie Howe is clearly in the market for another goalkeeper and perhaps may be open to the idea of replacing Pope.

The England international has been out injured for much of the season and may take time to return to his best.

So admittedly, the potential signing of Cavlina may be to support his return rather than to stunt it – only time will tell.

Anyhow, there is definitely an argument to make about Newcastle needing a more proactive goalkeeper, in the sense of a sweeper keeper.

Pope’s attributes are very much geared towards shot-stopping and commanding his area rather than the profile of an Ederson or Allison for instance.

Plus, he’s not totally comfortable playing out from the back and Cavlina is the opposite, he embodies the modern goalkeeper.

“He is light on his feet and frequently demonstrates excellent acceleration off his line, it is worth noting that he does not hesitate when he feels he must close down an opponent and will come out quite a long way to really put his opponent under pressure,” wrote Beth Limb on Target Scouting.

“Cavlina can distribute the ball very well which is an excellent attribute for a modern goalkeeper to possess. His short and mid-range passes are usually very accurate and find the intended target,” Limb continued.

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