Jaouen could be a 'very good signing' for Newcastle - Howey

Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes the addition of goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen could be a "very good signing" for Eddie Howe's side, adding he is glad the deal has been completed quickly. The Magpies have brought Jaouen to St James' Park for around £18.5m, even though the 20-year-old goalkeeper has never experienced top-flight football before. Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle about how fast the deal has been arranged, Howey said: "I think it's good rather than having things drag on. They've wanted to identify a goalkeeper. Everybody's got their views on [Aaron] Ramsdale and Nick Pope, but you listen to the stuff I've read about this goalkeeper, he's quite well thought of for a young goalkeeper. "To pay £18.5m, it could end up being a very good signing. We'll just have to wait and see. "I really do hope it works out, but we've seen over the years goalkeepers with really big names come to the Premier League and absolutely bomb. "I can remember when Peter Schmeichel started and he struggled a bit but ended up being the best goalkeeper ever in the Premier League alongside the likes of David Seaman. "It's good that it's done, but I'm pretty sure the Newcastle fans will be wanting a lot more of that, whether that's coming or going." Howey added that Newcastle might have had the upperhand by being able to offer first-team football to Jaouen over reported interested parties Chelsea and Real Madrid. "He might have looked at it as you're pretty much going to start, whereas at other teams he might not be. And he might be at the stage of his career where he wants to play. "I don't think I'd be happy going to a club knowing that, for at least a season or two, I wouldn't be featuring. When I sign for a club I want to play for them. I just think that for those other two clubs it might be a case of coming and not playing yet, if you ever do." Listen to the full interview above or on BBC Sounds Explore more Newcastle content here