Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, as their search for a new shot-stopper brings them to the Czech international.
Hornicek's Profile and Contract
The 24-year-old is under contract for two more seasons and impressed as Braga beat Zelejznicar in the Europa Conference League qualifiers on Thursday evening. It is believed he has a £29.5 million release clause, which was matched by fellow Premier League side Hull City earlier this summer, according to reports in Portugal.
Braga President Confirms Rejection
Braga president Antonio Salvador confirmed that a Premier League club matched the release clause valuation but Hornicek turned down the move. "We even had [a concrete approach for a transfer], but the player himself, Hornicek, refused," Salvador said. "There was an offer from England for him, for the Premier League, but the player felt he shouldn't go to that club and we are happy that he's staying here."
Newcastle's Goalkeeper Search
As well as Newcastle, Hornicek has been linked with a move to Benfica. He fits the profile the Magpies are searching for in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper. Nick Pope started in Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Gateshead on Saturday, with new signing Ewen Jaouen, brought in as a number two, replacing him midway through the second half. A new No 1 goalkeeper remains on the Magpies' radar, which could leave Pope looking for a transfer exit as he enters the last year of his contract at St James' Park.
