Queens Park Rangers could move for Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Mark Travers should Asmir Begovic make a shock move to Newcastle United, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.
Reports emerged this morning that the Magpies had identified the experienced Begovic as a transfer target. The 36-year-old is out of contract at Loftus Road after signing a one-year deal last summer upon leaving Everton. However, the shot stopper confirmed earlier this month that he was in talks over fresh terms.
“I am currently looking at options, talking to obviously QPR, and seeing what happens there,” he told talkSPORT, via West London Sport.
“It’s still pretty early in the transfer window. Nothing has been decided yet. I really enjoyed last year, the fact that I played so many games.”
After spending two seasons as understudy to Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park, Begovic opted to drop down to the Championship in search of regular first team football. He found just that at QPR, where he made 46 appearances in all competitions.
He played a key role in the Hoops’ eventual survival, which has caught the eye of several clubs. Scottish champions Celtic have been mooted as one potential destination as they search for a replacement for the recently-retired Joe Hart.
Whilst it appears as if Marti Cifuentes’ first choice goalkeeper is set to move on, reports of a move to Newcastle look to be premature. It is claimed that it is not yet a done deal, although a list of replacements is being drawn up.
Taking to ‘X’, Witcoop states that AFC Bournemouth’s Mark Travers is one option that could be explored. The 25-year-old joined Stoke City on loan at the beginning of last season, impressing in his 13 Championship appearances. He was recalled in October following an injury to Neto but made just four Premier League outings for the Cherries.
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Whilst his chances in the top tier have proven scarce, he did play a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s promotion from the Championship in 2022, where he featured in all-but-one of their league games.
Writer’s View
Begovic proved why he has spent much of his career in the Premier League with some brilliant performances for QPR last season. It’s easy to see why they would be keen to retain his services, although he is not one for the long term.
Travers is an excellent goalkeeper and was a real hit at the bet365 Stadium during his short stint at Stoke last season. He would be a shrewd acquisition for any Championship team. However, he is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2027, so the fee could be an issue. Should Bournemouth decide that he is available for transfer this summer, the Hoops are unlikely to be the only club vying for his signature.
