Magpies keeping tabs on former Academy shotstopper Gillespie
NEWCASTLE United target Mark Gillespie is free to talk to other clubs after he left Motherwell on Sunday.
Before takeover talk took hold, the Magpies were in talks to sign the 28-year-old 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.
His performances this season have helped Motherwell 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.
Speaking about Gillespie’s departure, Well boss Stephen Robinson said: “I would like to thank every player who is leaving for their efforts during their time at the club. They leave us with our best wishes for the future.”
Discussing his future last month, Gillespie said: “At the moment my future is up in the air until everyone knows the situation within the game.
“Clubs, players and managers don’t know what is coming next week, never mind next season.
“Once it becomes clear where the leagues stand there will be conversations to be had.”