Newcastle United have been linked with an ambitious move for Manchester United’s backup goalkeeper Victor Valdes, following the news of Tim Krul’s season ending injury.
Krul picked up a cruciate knee ligament injury whilst on international duty for the Netherlands which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season. The timing could not have been worse as Newcastle’s number two, Karl Darlow, is also currently sidelined through injury – after sustaining an ankle injury in training.
Steve McClaren will be forced to turn to ex-Charlton stopper Rob Elliot, who was heavily linked with a move away from St James’ Park throughout the summer.
The former England boss was also forced to recall 18-year-old Freddie Woodman from his loan spell at Crawley Town, where he had impressed and cemented his spot in the first-team.
Despite recalling Woodman – a young goalkeeper linked with Arsenal and Southampton in the summer – McClaren is still unhappy with his options in the goalkeeping department and is hoping to loan in Spanish veteran Victor Valdes, as per ESPN.
The 33-year-old would be an unusual signing for Newcastle – whose strict transfer policy wouldn’t usually allow for the club to sign a player over the age of 25, with such a hefty salary. However, these circumstances are far from normal.
As Newcastle do not meet the criteria for an emergency loan, they will be forced to wait until January to make a move for Valdes – if this report is to be believed. Though, with Karl Darlow likely to return long before then, McClaren may not deem it necessary to sign another established goalkeeper.
Although Krul’s absence will come as a huge blow to Newcastle’s already poor season, Newcastle will look to claim compensation for their loss via FIFA’s Club Protection Programme – a scheme that has paid out over £29million since 2012, to settle 126 cases. With the potential of £5.5million for Krul’s injury, we would be foolish not to.
The Magpies will be familiar with the scheme having used it in 2006 when Michael Owen suffered a knee injury on duty for England. They received £10million for their troubles.
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