NEWCASTLE have switched their attention to a major Premier League target amid their search for a new goalkeeper.
The Magpies will be without No1 Nick Pope for about four months after he suffered a nasty shoulder injury last week during his team's 1-0 victory over Manchester United at St James' Park.
This poses as yet another major injury blow for the Toon's manager Eddie Howe, who has seen his list of crocked stars grow even longer.
Martin Dubravka came on for the England international and started at Everton on Thursday, meaning the Slovakian shot-stopper could fill in for his team-mate while he is sidelined.
But recent reports suggest Howe will look for extra cover in the January transfer window with the Tyneside giants linked with Arsenal outcast Aaron Ramsdale and United legend David de Gea.
According to the Daily Star, however, Newcastle are now eyeing Crystal Palace keeper Sam Johnstone.
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Johnstone is seen as a "cost effective short-term cover" as he may cost less than £8million next month.
That is despite the fact the 30-year-old recently put pen to paper on a new contract with Palace until 2027.
The England international has also been a regular for manager Roy Hodgson since September but that is mainly down to Dean Henderson's thigh injury.
With Henderson eyeing a return before the end of the year, Johnstone might be interested in joining another Premier League club that could also boost his chances of a Euro 2024 call-up.
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The ex-United ace, though, was also withdrawn on Saturday during the Eagles' 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Selhurst Park due to a calf problem.
That could keep the former West Brom keeper out of action over the Christmas period.
However, Johnstone's recent injury set-back, combined with Henderson's imminent return, could convince Palace to cash in on the former in January.
Free agent De Gea still poses as a "serious option" but Newcastle worry about his lack of match fitness as he hasn't played since May shortly before leaving United.
Ramsdale has also been linked but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is not keen to sell him even though he has been replaced by Brentford loanne David Raya between the sticks.
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