Transfer guru Pete O’Rourke has stated that Newcastle were rejected by Ben Foster as they look for a backup goalkeeper.
Following a scan showing that no.2 Karl Darlow had torn a ligament in his ankle and with Martin Dubravka can’t be recalled from his loan spell at Manchester United until at least January, it forced the Toon into finding a replacement.
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie revealed that former Liverpool shot-stopper Loris Karius was on the verge of a move to St. James’ Park but O’Rourke has now claimed that the 29-year-old German keeper wasn’t the original target.
Taking to Twitter he posted: ‘Former Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster turned down an approach from Newcastle to join on a short-term deal before they turned to ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.’
Karius was last involved at Union Berlin in the 2020/21 campaign but Newcastle supporters will remember him most for a couple of howlers that saw Liverpool lose the 2018 Champions League final.
He does bring Premier League experience having made 29 appearances in the English top flight but it is clear to see why Foster was the priority.
Credited with the most saves in Premier League history (1,248) Foster has played 390 times in the competition racking up 27 appearances with the Hornets last term showing he can still play at that level even at 39.
Having already brought in Nick Pope this summer to be the club’s no.1 and with the most saves in the league, this season (28) and a joint-high three clean sheets this term the position at Newcastle between the sticks is in good hands.
