Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.
The Magpies are enjoying a promising campaign, and one of the main factors behind their success has been a strong defence.
Having conceded just 19 goals in 26 Premier League games, Eddie Howe's side currently boasts the best defensive record in the top flight.
Howe has tended to favour Fabian Schar and Sven Botman as his central defensive pairing, which has restricted Jamaal Lascelles's playing time.
Lascelles has had to settle for just nine appearances, and he is now expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
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With Lascelles set to depart, Newcastle will be keen to strengthen their defence in the summer, especially if they qualify for European football.
Gomez has emerged as a potential target, and according to British football agent Haydn Dodge, Newcastle have held a long-standing interest in Gomez.
Dodge told Caught Offside: "It is quite well known that Newcastle United have long admired defender Joe Gomez as they look to bolster their centre-half options ahead of several players being out of contract this summer."
Gomez has come into the Liverpool side at different points of the season to fill in when Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk have struggled with injury.
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The centre-back has made 29 appearances across all competitions, but he has had to settle for 13 Premier League starts this term.
Gomez is under contract with the Merseyside club until June 2027 after signing a new long-term deal last summer.
With four years left to run on his deal, it may be difficult to prise the 25-year-old away from Anfield in the near future.
It is currently unclear whether Gomez would consider a summer departure, but the prospect of regular playing time could interest the defender.
