Newcastle have been tipped as second favourites to sign England goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City this summer.
Hart is widely expected to depart the Etihad Stadium on a permanent basis ahead of next season once he returns from a season-long loan at West Ham, where he was recently dropped by manager David Moyes.
The 30-year-old has endured a difficult season at the London Stadium but that hasn’t dampened the interest of several Premier League clubs and the Croydon Advertiser report that Sky Bet have installed Chelsea as 9/4 favourites to sign Hart.
The bookmakers also believe Newcastle stand a strong chance of persuading the former Shrewsbury Town keeper to head to St James’ Park with short odds of 3/1.
It was widely reported that Rafa Benitez was interested in adding Hart to his goalkeeping ranks in the summer as he sought to add an experienced head between the sticks.
Benitez was eventually handed a senior no.1 in the form of loanee Martin Dubravka, who impressed on his debut in the win over Manchester United and is unlikely to demand a fraction of Hart’s six-figure salary should the move be made permanent, meaning it’s unlikely the Magpies boss will pursue any deal for City outcast.
Crystal Palace and West Ham have also been credited with an interest in Hart, whilst a return to Italy where he spent a season on loan with Torino has been mooted.
