Why Newcastle should reignite their interests in Mark Gillespie
According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United target Mark Gillespie is free to talk to other clubs after he left Motherwell on Sunday.
A former Newcastle academy graduate, Gillespie is now a free agent after his contract with former side Motherwell expired last month. The 28-year-old was in good form for the Scottish side this season. He featured in all their 30 league matches, helping them to third place in the league table.
With 11 clean sheets, Gillespie is also the third-best keeper in the Premiership behind leader Allan McGregor and Fraser Forster, who both have 14 respectively to their name. His impressive displays between the sticks for Motherwell this season has also helped Motherwell qualify for next season’s Europa League.
With their former academy product turning heads at Motherwell, the Magpies were in talks to sign the 28-year-old on a free transfer. However, no deal materialised back then but now that Gillespie is a free agent, Newcastle should once again reignite their interests for him.
Gillespie good back-up for Newcastle first-keeper Dubravka
Steve Bruce’s side are in need of a quality back-up man for their first-choice keeper Martin Dubravka. Karl Darlow is the side’s current number two, although his future is unclear this summer, according to the report.
Darlow is yet to feature in a PL game this season and has made just 5 appearances this term, mostly in cup competitions. This gives a clear idea that Karlow is not in manager Bruce’s plans at the moment.
The Magpies also have young Freddie Woodman and veteran Rob Elliot as backup. However, the former is expected to go out on loan again after a successful season at Swansea.
Elliot, at 34, is nearing the end of his contract at St. James’ Park, which is set to expire at the end of this month. That said, Newcastle are in clear need of a second-choice keeper who can act as a cover for Dubravka.
Having proved his mettle already with Motherwell and Carlisle United in the past, there is no questioning Gillespie’s experience and potential. Hence, Newcastle should reignite their interest in him.
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Verdict
A proven customer, Gillespie would be a good addition to Newcastle as he will only make them stronger ahead of next season. Moreover, he is a free agent and is a cheaper alternative considering the financial crisis brought by the coronavirus crisis. Also, a former youth graduate, it won’t take Gillespie much time for him to adjust to the new surroundings.
