Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given believes both the Magpies and Chelsea should consider signing David De Gea.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper has yet to find a new club despite becoming a free agent last summer and, speaking about De Gea’s situation, Given claimed that the Spanish international can still perform at the highest level:

“I think any top club, even Chelsea tonight, I’d be looking at De Gea. Newcastle will be looking at De Gea. I think all the clubs should be looking at De Gea. He had the most clean sheets last year in the Premier League.

“He had a couple of mistakes last year and people go, ‘Oh, he’s gone’, but I think he’s only 33, he’s still very young in goalkeeping terms. I think any club would be looking at him to take him on board.”

Could De Gea be considered by Newcastle as a short-term replacement for Nick Pope?

With Newcastle’s current No.1 set to be sidelined for a number of months with a shoulder injury, the availability of such an experienced shot-stopper on a free transfer may tempt the Magpies into making an approach.

Given certainly believes that De Gea would be an upgrade on Eddie Howe’s other options in goal and he knows a thing or two about being a keeper.

Howe has given his backing to Dubravka

At the moment, it does look like Howe is prepared to stick with Martin Dubravka. Earlier this month, the Magpies boss was full of praise for the Slovakian international:

“We really believe in Martin and I’ve always had that high opinion of him. Yes, we brought in Nick – we wanted to build competition for places, we wanted to build a squad that we felt could really carry us to great success – but Martin is a high-class goalkeeper.”

“He’s a brilliant shot-stopper himself, he’s very good with his feet and his distribution, so no hesitation about bringing Martin into the team and I hope he does really well.”

Whether Howe was simply bigging up Dubravka as he knew that he had to rely on him for the rest of December before the January transfer window opens, we don’t know, but it seems a move for De Gea is not a foregone conclusion.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here