Chelsea join race for keeper who only made debut last weekend but Newcastle favourites to pull off transfer
CHELSEA and Aston Villa are after keeper Stephen McMullan who made his Fleetwood debut last weekend.
But — as SunSport revealed a month ago — Newcastle are favourites to land the Northern Ireland rookie.
McMullan, 18, signed a long-term contract with Fleetwood back in January.
He kept a clean sheet as he made his first senior appearance for the Cods in their 1-0 win over MK Dons.
The goalkeeper has also been recognised internationally, appearing for the Northern Ireland U19s and the Republic of Ireland U18s.
While it is unlikely that McMullan would join Chelsea as a first-team goalkeeper, he could fancy his chances of pushing for a spot in the squad.
The Blues’ current stoppers, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, both have doubts over their futures at the club.
Mendy’s form and injury record this season has seen his playtime decrease, and with his recent contract refusal, he could be set for a move away from the club.
While Kepa has failed to hit the heights expected of him since his record move from Athletic Club.
The Spaniard cost the Blues form £72million and while there have been flashes of from him, he has largely disappointed.
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With the club not expected to qualify for any European football, co-owner Todd Boehly is thought to be considering cashing in on players to cut costs.
Stars such as Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher have all been linked with exits.
They could be joined by the two first-team goalkeepers, which would leave Chelsea with just veteran Marcus Bettinelli and youngsters Gabriel Slonina and Lucas Bergstrom capable of playing in goal.
Chelsea reportedly want Inter Milan’s Andre Onana to replace Kepa and Mendy in goal.
Meanwhile, the Blues have also been linked with a move for Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has suggested he would be a “great signing” for the club.
However, the 29-year-old is thought to be a target for Manchester United.