OPINION
Newcastle are one of three top-tier sides reportedly interested in signing PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet before Thursday’s deadline at 11pm.
Fox Sports in Holland claim that the 26-year-old is on Rafa Benitez’s shortlist as the Toon continue to search for a new goalkeeper after missing out on Willy Caballero and Pepe Reina.
It is said that Portuguese champions Benfica are also interested in the nine-time Holland international, while Premier League side Crystal Palace also want to sign PSV’s number one.
The report claims Newcastle could steal a march on their rivals by including Tim Krul in a deal to sign Zoet, with the injury-prone goalkeeper said to surplus to requirements at St. James’ Park.
It is expected to be a busy few days on Tyneside as the deadline approaches, with Benitez keen to bring in further talent to his side in order to steer clear of relegation.
This Is Futbol analyses the potential signing of Zoet and whether all three parties can strike a deal in the next three days.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Toon need a new goalkeeper with Krul and Karl Darlow surplus to requirements, while Rob Elliot is not deemed good enough to be the club’s number one for the entire 2017-18 season.
Zoet has proved time and time again that he is one of the best goalkeepers outside of Europe’s top five leagues in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France, as he continues to ply his trade for PSV in the Eredivisie.
Making a huge 61 clean sheets in 163 games for the Dutch giants, Zoet has now entered the final two years of his contract.
Proven in top-tier football and one of the best in Europe, PSV’s star stopper would be a top signing if the Toon can secure a deal for less than £10million.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.
Likely to happen?
There a few issues that need to be sorted by Benitez and Newcastle, and quickly, if they are to push through a deal for the former RKC Waalwijk goalkeeper.
Owner Mike Ashley is unwilling to spend his own cash at St. James’ Park, which has seen Benitez sell a number of fringe stars including the likes of Emmanuel Riviere, Daryl Murphy and Siem de Jong.
If Benitez can raise enough cash, then there is no reason why a deal cannot be struck.
Benfica is likely to tempt Zoet, with the lure of Champions League football, so the Toon must also do some convincing in that area too. But a deal is achievable, even with only three days left in the window.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10.