Future up in the air for keeper Mark

BEFORE takeover talk took hold, Newcastle were in talks to sign Motherwell goalkeeper Mark Gillespie on a free transfer.

Gillespie, a Newcastle United academy graduate and a good friend of Magpies defender Paul Dummett, is believed to be keen to return to Tyneside but the 28-year-old’s future is now up in the air amid the Covid-19 crisis, as well as the takeover talk.

His performances have helped Motherwell to be in contention to qualify for next season’s Europa League and Newcastle have identified him as a back-up option next season to Martin Dubravka.

Current third choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot is out of contract at the end of the season, while Freddie Woodman is expected to go out on loan again after a successful season at Swansea. Karl Darlow is Newcastle’s current number two, although his future is unclear this summer.

However, Gillespie is a target of the current regime and it remains to be seen whether new owners would still sanction a deal for the former Carlisle United goalkeeper.

It was our sister title, the Daily Record, that broke news of Newcastle’s interest in Gillespie and he has now addressed his future with the same title.

“My future is up in the air at the moment until everyone knows the situation with the wider game. Clubs, players, managers don’t know what’s coming next week never mind next season. Once it becomes clear where the leagues stand and things like that there will be conversations to be had.”