Newcastle United might not have signed anyone but there is going to be late transfer activity at St James’ Park on the deadline day. According to reports, Brighton & Hove Albion are close to finalising a loan deal for the Dutch goalkeeper, Tim Krul.
The Dutch international has been on the books of the Magpies for almost 12 years now but has not been the preferred choice under the Italian gaffer. Rafa Benitez has sent the player to train with the reserves and his future had been in question for quite a long while now.
Brighton are very keen to take the keeper on a season long loan as Chris Hughton has been on the hunt for a backup keeper for his side to introduce some competition to Mathew Ryan.
Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot have been earmarked as options in goal this season for the Magpies. The Spanish gaffer has made his intentions clear that the Dutch keeper has no future at the club and also didn’t use the player in the pre-season at all.
It is very surprising Newcastle are ready to let him leave on loan as the Dutch keeper only has a year left on his contract and will be a free agent after this season. They could have used the opportunity to cash in on him as he still has repute amongst clubs for his Premier League stint and appearances in the National jersey.
The player was at Ajax and AZ Alkmaar on loan and had returned to St James’ Park with a hope to rekindle his form. But the situation has turned worse since then and Krul would be more than happy to find a way to end his distraught situation.
A number of clubs have been vying for his signature but Krul is likely to prefer a move to a Premier League side.
Chris Hughton has been looking to reunite with his former keeper with whom he worked previously at St James’ Park.
Nottingham Forest have also emerged as a possible destination for the player but the Peacocks are the favourites with a couple of hours to go. Brighton will have the chance to sign the player on a permanent basis after this season if he performs well and at a level, we have come to expect from him. He currently pockets around £60,000 a week and it remains to be seen whether he takes a pay cut or not.
