Newcastle United snapped up Aaron Ramsdale over the summer, but decided not to bring Fraser Forster back to St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe’s attention turns to Carabao Cup action this week as Newcastle United look to retain the trophy.
Tottenham Hotspur visit St James’ Park on Wednesday night and will provide a stern test for Howe’s side.
Both Howe and Thomas Frank are set to ring the changes, and that means Aaron Ramsdale will surely start for Newcastle.
Ramsdale arrived as Newcastle’s new goalkeeper over the summer, reuniting with Howe after working together at Bournemouth.
Fraser Forster still a free agent after missing out on Newcastle United move
Newcastle were linked with other goalkeepers over the summer, including Fraser Forster.
Tottenham released Forster at the end of his contract, and a return to Tyneside appeared to make perfect sense.
The 37-year-old came up in the Newcastle ranks and would have been considered a club-trained player for European action.
Forster has admitted his dream to play for Newcastle again, having left to join Celtic on a permanent basis way back in 2012.
This past summer seemed to be the right time, and Newcastle looked into signing Forster.
However, no deal was done as John Ruddy stayed at Newcastle, and Ramsdale arrived, taking Newcastle out of the goalkeeping market.
Surprisingly, Forster actually remains a free agent after missing out on a return to Newcastle.
Forster may be coming towards the end of his career, but he still managed 13 appearances for Spurs last season and can offer great experience between the sticks.
Newcastle United ship may have sailed for Fraser Forster
Forster will hope for another opportunity somewhere soon, but that dream Newcastle return may have disappeared for good.
Howe seems to be happy with Nick Pope as his first-choice stopper and could keep Ramsdale permanently.
Ruddy and Mark Gillespie offer the experienced competition down the pecking order, meaning it’s difficult for Forster to fit in.
Ruddy is 39 and could leave Newcastle in 2026, but Howe is unlikely to sign Forster if he remains a free agent until next summer.
Truth be told, it looks like Forster won’t live out that Newcastle dream before he hangs up his boots, but he will continue to cheer on the Magpies from afar.