Newcastle United lining up £20million offer to Brighton for Robert Sanchez as Eddie Howe searches for a new goalkeeper

Newcastle United are willing to spend £20million on Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

In what is set to be huge spree on players in the summer, manager Eddie Howe looks as if he has got his eyes on his first target.

AFP

The 24-year-old Spaniard has been a solid figure for Graham Potter this season, starting all but one game in the Premier League.

He’s kept eight clean sheets for the south coast side, and the consistency has also seen him rewarded with a call up to the national side.

Sanchez’s international manager, Luis Enrique, even gave him his debut, sending him on against Georgia in a 4-0 World Cup qualifying game.

Nine years younger than current No.1 Martin Dubravka, Sanchez represpents the long-term approach from the Magpies as they continue to build their squad.

The Sun report a £20m offer is being lined up to test Brighton’s resolve and believe he is Howe’s first choice.

It would also be the second time Newcastle raided Brighton for a player, having signed Dan Burn for £13m in January.

AFP

Away from the pitch, both clubs remain in negotiations over the release of Dan Ashworth.

The 51-year-old resigned as technical director in February and has been placed on gardening leave by Brighton.

And unless both parties come to an agreement, Ashworth will not be able to take up his post at St James Park until November, when his nine-month notice period comes to an end.