Newcastle set to land Aaron Ramsdale replacement as first signing of the summer

Newcastle United have agreed a fee of around £24million with Reims for goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen.

The Magpies are set to land the highly-rated shot-stopper on a four-year contract.

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His move is expected to be formalised within the next week, before travelling to Tyneside to undergo a medical.

The 20-year-old will become Newcastle’s first signing of the summer after impressing during his breakout season in France’s second tier.

Jaouen conceded just 35 goals despite having played every minute of Reims’ Ligue 2 campaign.

He began his career with Guingamp before moving to Reims in 2023.

Loan spells at Rodez and Dunkerque followed before eventually breaking into the starting XI at Reims following their relegation from the top flight 12 months ago.

Jaouen’s talent has seen him represent France at youth level and is currently in the Under-21 set-up.

Chelsea had been credited with an interest in Jaouen with some reports claiming that he had visited Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.

talkSPORT understands the youngster is viewed as a star for the future with boss Eddie Howe expected to dip into the market for an additional goalkeeper this summer.

Newcastle are undergoing a shake up of their goalkeeping department this summer with Aaron Ramsdale, John Ruddy and Max Thompson all having left the club.

And despite Jaouen’s young age and relative inexperience, it is expected that Howe will provide the Frenchman with the opportunity to fight for the No.1 spot at St James’ Park.

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Howe stressed the importance of trimming the age of his squad and placing trust in youth players.

“I think there are things within our game model that we would look to evolve,” Howe said.

“Certainly, there will be a part of the squad that will change – that always happens going into transfer windows whether there’s players leaving or players joining.

“So that’s always, you know, exciting. And of course, you know, how we play and that changes every season anyway.”

Jaouen will link up with the team for pre-season training next month and will work alongside Nick Pope who for now, remains part of the club’s plans.

Pope lost his starting spot in February following high-profile errors in the defeat to Everton but reclaimed his place in the final stages of the season.