The latest transfer talk from St James Park as Newcastle United prepare for the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United have reportedly been delivered a significant blow as they prepare for an overhaul of their goalkeeping options during the summer transfer window.

Magpies number one Nick Pope is hopeful of returning before the end of the season after the England international has remained on the sidelines with the serious shoulder injury he picked up in the 1-0 win against Manchester United in December. Martin Dubravka has stepped up in Pope’s absence but will enter the final 12 months of his current deal at St James Park this summer and is unlikely to want to spend that time acting as a support to the former Burnley stopper.

Loris Karius has made just one appearance so far this season and the former Liverpool keeper has already signalled his intent to leave Tyneside when his current contract comes to an end in June and is believed to be keen on a move to Italy. There was some positive news on the goalkeeping front in recent days after it was reported United have triggered a one-year extension on Mark Gillespie’s contract that will ensure the former Carlisle United and Motherwell stopper will remain as part of Eddie Howe’s ranks.

It seems likely the Magpies hierarchy will target another goalkeeper this summer and there have been links with the likes of Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale and Valencia’s Georgian international Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, the latest update in United’s pursuit of a goalkeeper comes from Italy where the Magpies were credited with a strong interest in Monza stopper Michele Di Gregorio, who is also believed to be on the radar of Serie A giants Inter, AC Milan and Juventus.

The TuttoSport report reveals Newcastle made a £17m offer for the former Italy youth international - but also confirm Di Gregorio could remain in Serie A and will be available for a similar fee to the Magpies offer earlier this season.