Brighton have approached Newcastle with a view to signing out of favour goalkeeper Tim Krul on loan, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster claimed on their live transfer blog on Thursday [01:33pm] that the Premier League new boys are plotting a deadline day swoop to take Krul, 29, on a temporary basis.
Rafa Benitez has been widely reported to have been on the lookout for a new No 1 all summer and has neglected the opportunity give Krul first-team football in the opening fixtures of the new season.
The Dutch international, who is one of the more senior players at St. James’ Park having signed there in 2008, spent last season on loan spells with both Ajax and AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivise.
Good move for Newcastle?
It’s really hard to see what Benitez doesn’t like about Krul. The Dutchman has had a tough time recently with serious injuries but has been given no chance to show that he is capable of playing top level football for the Magpies once again. If you look at form over the past few seasons, Krul is better than Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow. It’s very harsh that Benitez wants to get rid at this stage – especially when him leaving may strengthen one of their potential relegation rivals.
This is Futbol rating: 1/10
Likely to happen?
Benitez wants a new goalkeeper – he has done all summer. If he gets someone in then it’s very likely that Krul would be the one that pays the price and gets farmed out having no even made the bench this season. If the Spanish manager does manage to snap up a new shot-stopper then the deal looks almost certain to happen. Krul may even want to leave after dropping down to third-choice.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10