Newcastle’s stance on Ewen Jaouen revealed after agreeing deal for Reims goalkeeper

Newcastle United have reached an agreement in principle with Reims to sign goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.

Jaouen will join for €28.5 million and has agreed a four-year deal with the club. He is set to become their first signing of this summer’s transfer window.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Magpies consider him a long-term project. He is not expected to be their first-choice goalkeeper immediately.

The 20-year-old joined Reims as an academy player in 2023. He was loaned out twice before becoming the French side’s starting goalkeeper.

He has stood out for his impressive shot-stopping ability. He kept 15 clean sheets in 34 games in Ligue 2last term.

Jaouen has also been linked with Chelsea, although this has now been discredited as they are not planning to sign a goalkeeper this summer.

Newcastle want to revamp their goalkeeping department.

They are open to selling Nick Pope, who struggled last season. Ipswich Town and Leeds United are monitoring his situation.

Manchester City’s James Trafford, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen, or Lens’ Robin Risser could be Pope’s replacement. They have all been shortlisted as potential targets.

Newcastle are also expected to sign a left winger following Anthony Gordon’s departure to Barcelona.

Newcastle finished outside the European places last season and will be aiming to avoid a repeat next term by strengthening their squad.