Newcastle United have made a ‘formal approach’ for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish outlet Relevo state that Newcastle officials have traveled to watch the 23-year-old on ‘more than five occasions’ this season and are aware of Valencia’s €30m (£25.6m) asking price.

Reports claim the giant Georgian is ‘very attracted’ by a potential move to St James’ Park, as his preferred destination is the Premier League and he’s keen to play in Europe; which we are on course to achieve if we maintain our place in the top seven.

Mamardashvili stands 6ft 6′ tall and has impressed in La Liga this season. He’s kept 12 clean sheets and has helped the Spaniards boast the third-best defence in the division, where they’ve conceded less than Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

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We were linked with him in Jan and this is one I'd like to see go ahead, think it would be a really good move for us. Would mean we have Pope's successor lined up.

I also worry about Pope with a shoulder injury, and a 2nd one at that.