Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on €30m-rated Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek, following their disappointment in trying to sign James Trafford.
According to David Ornstein via The Athletic, the Magpies are close to completing the signing of the Czech Republic international, who has been at Braga since initially joining on loan in 2019.
To secure his services, Newcastle will reportedly pay his full release clause of €30m (£25.7m), with Newcastle currently in discussion with the Portuguese side over payment terms.
The signing of a new number one has reportedly been high on Newcastle's list this Summer, with Nick Pope out of favour and Aaron Ramsdale returning to Southampton following the expiry of his loan from last season.
Set to appoint new manager Matthias Jaissle, who will take over from Eddie Howe following his decision to step down as Newcastle manager, the Magpies have already signed another goalkeeper this window, having secured the signature of young French stopper Ewen Jouen from Reims.
Standing at 6'6" tall, Hornicek is a comanding figure between the sticks, reflected by his record of just 78 goals conceded in 88 matches for Braga across all competitions.
That record includes 37 clean sheets - or one every 2.37 matches - as he helped guide Braga to a Portuguese League Cup win in 2023/24 and to the UEFA Europa League semi finals in 2025/26.
He was a member of the Czech Republic squad for the 2026 World Cup, but did not make an appearance, playing as second choice to Matěj Kovář as they exited at the group stage.
To date, Honicek has made just one appearance for his national team, having been an ever-present at all youth levels.
Once all details are confirmed between the two clubs - and personal terms have been agreed - the 24 year-old will complete a medical prior to officially signing for the club.
