It has now been reported that Newcastle United have made a formal approach for Lukas Hornicek.
The 6ft 6 goalkeeper plays for Sporing Braga and is a Czech Republic international.
Lukas Hornicek turned 24 this month and has had a huge breakthrough year.
He became first choice for Sporting Braga and helped them to finish fourth in the domestic league, reach the semi-finals of the Europa League, as well as runners-up in the Portuguese League Cup. In the process he managed 24 clean sheets across all competitions, including 11 in the Europa League.
The 6ft 6 goalkeeper made his debut for the Czech Republic in May, on the back of his outstanding club season. Lukas Hornicek an unused sub in the three Czech Republic matches at the World Cup this summer.
The giant keeper has a €30m (approx £25.9m) release clause and Hull City triggered that release clause this summer but the Sporting Braga keeper turned it down.
Simon Jones at The Mail says that his information is that Newcastle United have now turned their sights on Lukas Hornicek and made a formal approach, with a deal set to potentially be done very quickly if all parties agree. The fact that the keeper has the release clause massively helps, if United trigger it then Hornicek could swiftly become Newcastle’s fifth signing of the summer.
The man from The Mail reports that Newcastle United had been considering both James Trafford and Carl Rushworth. However, Trafford wants a release clause in his contract and is expected to become a Leeds player in a £45m deal. Jones adding that Newcastle had reservations about Brighton reserve keeper Rushworth due to his lack of top flight experience.