Newcastle United have decided against signing former England international goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale following his loan spell with the club, as the Magpies instead turn their attentions to a young French stopper.
The Magpies are expected to return Ramsdale - and release John Ruddy - this summer as they overhaul their goalkeeping department, starting with the signing of Reims starlet Ewen Jaouen.
French under-21 international Jaouen had been expected to secure a move to Tyneside in the near future, however recent reports have suggested there may be a late hitch in the deal, with interest from other clubs threatening the Magpies' plans.
Chelsea, Real Madrid & Newcastle tussle over Jaouen
According to Canal+Foot, Chelsea have emerged as a late contender to secure Jaouen's signature, and the player is said to have toured the club's Cobham facilities ahead of a potential deal.
Worryingly for Eddie Howe's side, Spanish giants Real Madrid are also credited with interest in the Reims stopper, with the La Liga champions seeing him as a potential replacement for Thibaut Courtois - highlighting the potential the 20-year-old is believed to possess.
Jaouen spent two seasons out on loan in Ligue 2 at both Dunkerque and Rodez, before securing a first team spot at Reims, where he enjoyed a breakout season last campaign.
He kept an impressive 15 clean sheets in 34 appearances last term as Reims narrowly missed out on a play-off spot, following their relegation from Ligue 1 the previous season.
Reims are believed to be asking for at least €25m for Jaouen's signature this summer, a significant fee for the 20-year-old though nothing too troubling for a Premier League side's budget.
If Newcastle fail to land the young Frenchman then the club will have to return to the drawing board and draw up a shortlist of other potential deputies to club number one Nick Pope.
