da bwin： According to reports on the Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are likely to be offered the chance to sign West Ham United goalkeeper Darren Randolph if the Irons complete a loan deal for Manchester City stopper Joe Hart.
What’s the word, then?
da fezbet： Well, the Chronicle Live says that the Hammers are close to signing the England international on a loan deal with a view to a permanent move, with the east London outfit due to pay 50% of Hart’s £100,000-a-week wages.
If the 30-year-old does arrive at the London Stadium then West Ham will likely look to offload one of Adrian or Darren Randolph, and the latter is more likely to leave after the former only signed a new two-year deal earlier this summer.
The Chronicle Live says that as Rafa Benitez is openly looking to sign a new goalkeeper, it is believed that Randolph could be offered to the Magpies as he looks for regular first team football.
The report adds that Benitez has already missed out on Willy Caballero to Chelsea, while he has made no progress in a deal to sign Pepe Reina from Napoli.
How did Randolph do last season?
It was certainly and up and down season for the 30-year-old.
The Republic of Ireland international started the campaign as West Ham’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Adrian but when the Spaniard was dropped following a mistake against Stoke in November, Randolph was given his opportunity to shine.
The stopper looked to stake his claim for the number one spot and he certainly made some outstanding saves – he produced a brilliant stop to deny a Jordan Henderson strike in December – but he also lost his place for the final five Premier League matches of the season, to place his future into doubt.
Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?
It’s difficult to say.
While Randolph has shown some glimpses of excellence both for West Ham and the Republic of Ireland, if Rafa Benitez is looking for a goalkeeper with plenty of Premier League experience then he will look elsewhere.
The 30-year-old has made just 29 English top flight appearances in his career and in that respect, the Magpies would be better off sticking with Karl Darlow or Tim Krul next season.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, while Newcastle may be offered the chance to sign Randolph, Benitez will probably choose to look elsewhere for a new goalkeeper.
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