Even with all of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and likely Bruno gone before the start of next season and the need for midfield and wing reinforcements, Newcastle United’s most pressing need remains to be fixed.

The Magpies continue to assess their situation in net and explore goalkeeping options ahead of the new Premier League season as Eddie Howe searches for a short-term replacement for the aging Nick Pope.

Newcastle has been heavily linked with several goalkeepers throughout the summer, and a fresh report suggests a highly regarded English prospect remains in the picture.

According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle has been offered the chance to sign Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, with intermediaries making contact as the Seagulls consider a permanent sale of their keeper.

Bailey reports Leeds United has also been approached over the 25-year-old, while Brighton is prepared to cash in if current No. 1 Bart Verbruggen, another Newcastle target, remains at the club.

“We can exclusively reveal that Leeds and Newcastle have now been spoken to by intermediaries,” Bailey wrote.

The report adds that Rushworth has no intention of signing a new contract without assurances he will become Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper shortly, prompting the club to consider selling him rather than risk his value declining, which hints at their preference to keep Verbruggen in net for the most possible games.

Newcastle has long been linked with Man City’s James Trafford as its preferred goalkeeping target, but Bailey says Rushworth has now been presented as another potential option as the club continues its search for a new No. 1.

Rushworth spent last season on loan at Coventry City and remains a target for Frank Lampard’s side, although Bailey notes Newcastle and Leeds are now firmly in the mix.

“Rushworth is regarded by many within the game as a future England international and a genuine contender to eventually succeed Jordan Pickford as the Three Lions’ first-choice goalkeeper,” Bailey wrote.

According to the report, Brighton’s decision will ultimately hinge on Verbruggen’s future, but if the Dutch international stays at the Amex Stadium, Rushworth, who is valued at €16 million on Transfermarkt, is expected to become available as Newcastle weighs its next move in the goalkeeper market.