Jack Butland during his time at Stoke. (Getty Images)
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Magpies are favourites to sign Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland.
Despite enduring a mixed season so far, the Newcastle have been able to much better for the first time since their promotion in 2017.
However, the Magpies have some tougher games coming up in the winter and it would be challenging for Steve Bruce and his men to be confident and live up to their plans. Their defence continues to be a problem since Newcastle have already conceded a staggering 24 goals.
The Tyneside outfit have only one established goalkeeper in Martin Dubravka. The Slovakian has featured in every possible minute this term for his country and club.
Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot are yet to take part in the top-flight and are unproven. After a long gap, it would be wrong to expect something from them. Therefore, Newcastle must rope in a goalkeeper in January to boost their defensive record.
In that case, Jack Butland would be a good addition to the squad and he is also capable of providing a healthy fight for the spot with Dubravka.
Despite Stoke City getting relegated to the Championship, Butland stayed loyal to the club and has been the first choice for them. His form has taken a slight dip in recent months in the Championship but that has not prevented Gareth Southgate from calling him to the national team.
With the Potters battling in the relegation zone, it would be the right time for Steve Bruce to lure Butland in January.
The 26-year-old is a proven top-flight goalkeeper and has vast experience. His excellent reflexes and distribution from the back are qualities that are admirable.
The Bristol-born shot-stopper has admitted about his openness to play in the Premier League which can boost his chances ahead of Euro 2020, according to Mirror.
Having said all this, Newcastle must not hesitate to go all out for Butland, who would not only be a back-up but can also share equal game time with his fellow goalkeeper.
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