The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
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Ramsdale keen to stay at United
AARON Ramsdale is keen on making his move to Newcastle United a permanent deal after a successful start behind the scenes on Tyneside.
With Southampton struggling in the Championship and Ramsdale still having England ambitions, he is open to making his Newcastle loan into a full-time arrangement. And some fans have been calling for Ramsdale to get a chance ahead of Nick Pope in the last week or so.
Despite playing just two games for Newcastle so far in the Carabao Cup, the 27-year-old is deemed the perfect competitor for the number 1 spot with Nick Pope at St James’ Park.
Indeed, Ramsdale’s presence at Benton has helped push Pope to his best levels this term, despite a hiccup at West Ham, and he has won his place back in the England squad.
Newcastle paid Southampton a fee of around £4m to loan Ramsdale last summer with his wages taking the overall spend on the ex-arsenal man over £8m in total. When the deal was completed last August it was described as a straight loan but Southampton are expected to demand a fee of £20m.
It remains to be seen whether the Saints shave off the £4m loan fee from their asking price.
Speaking about Ramsdale’s role at Newcastle this week, Howe told The Chronicle: “Aaron’s been really pleased with his progression since he’s been here. We have seen good performances from him in training.
“Obviously, he played in the game (vs Spurs). I understand the question, but Nick has performed consistently. Our defensive record has been pretty strong this year. We have had a couple of blips this season. But defensively, that has been our strongest point.
“There are always decisions to make on the team and it is important we have that strength.”
The five-time capped England keeper will have longer-term ambitions of following Pope back into the Three Lions camp. But for now, he must keep up the competition with a Carabao Cup game against Fulham a possible reward next month.
Should Newcastle secure an early passage into the last 16 of the Champions League, there could also be a chance for Ramsdale in Europe.
When signing for Newcastle, Ramsdale said: “Working with the manager and his coaching staff again were a big draw for me. They’ve already had a great influence on my career and the gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth. He really showed me the ropes so the manager and his coaching staff were a huge selling point for me.”