Newcastle United are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper or two this summer - and one has been spotted on Tyneside this weekend.
OK, so it’s not James Trafford, Anthony Elanga or Joao Pedro. Don’t get too excited.
However, a touted Newcastle United target has been spotted out and about on Tyneside this weekend - although it was more for a Newcastle United-themed event, rather than anything related to putting pen to paper.
UEFA rules explained - why Krul would make sense
Former NUFC keeper Tim Krul was at the second night of Sam Fender’s trio of hometown gigs on Saturday night, and posted his presence all over his social media. It comes just weeks after a number of publications linked the former Luton Town and Norwich City man with a move back to Tyneside to help United in their European squad.
Due to the fact he’s classed as a ‘club trained’ player in UEFA’s eyes, he would not take up a slot of a non-club trained player in the 25-man Champions League squad. Basically, freeing up a spot for an outfield player. If the status quo were to remain, John Ruddy would take up that slot, meaning Howe could not name another outfield player who is much more likely to play.
For Krul, it appears, this was little more than, as he described it, a little trip home.
With some pictures, he said: “Night down memory lane. Sam Fender on fire.”
He shared the post to both Instagram and Twitter.
Why Krul won’t sign for NUFC
Krul is unlikely to rejoin Newcastle United this summer amid speculation about a possible St James’ Park reunion.
NewcastleWorld understands a move for Krul - who will be released by Luton Town on June 30 - is unlikely. The 37-year-old has received no concrete offer and recently sold his house in the North East.
Rumours circulated two years ago about Krul making a Toon return before the 2023-24 Champions League campaign. Sources close to the goalie suggest he would be open to an offer but does not expect the call.
For clarity, the transfer window reopens today, until September.
Another former Newcastle United goalkeeper?
A more plausible option could be Newcastle signing former academy product Fraser Forster. The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that he might be one to watch as Eddie Howe aims to loophole the UEFA rules.
Forster has Premier League experience as recently as last season when he answered Ange Postecoglou’s call amid an injury crisis.
NUFC goalkeepers
The Magpies currently have five goalkeepers on their books - not all of whom are likely to get any gametime.
Mark Gillespie recently penned a new deal but the Geordie is very much seen as a training ground keeper. Odysseas Vlachodimos is a Greek international who made one appearance, in the Carabao Cup, last season. He’s very much seen as fourth choice, despite the fact he was signed for around £20million in a PSR-solving swindle which saw Elliot Anderson go the other way for around £35million.
John Ruddy is still in talks about penning a one-year extension, while Martin Dubravka is expected to leave if Newcastle sign a new keeper and Nick Pope is the current No.1 in Eddie Howe’s eyes.
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