The South London Press report that Newcastle have identified Crystal Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni as the man to solve their goalkeeping crisis, however, the Magpies face an uphill battle to land the Argentine.
With Tim Krul and Karl Darlow already on the treatment table, a thigh injury to United’s third-choice goalkeeper Rob Elliot during Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Stoke has left Newcastle staring down the barrel of a goalkeeping crisis for the second time in successive seasons.
18-year-old Freddie Woodman is United’s only fit senior goalkeeper ahead of Saturday’s crucial lunchtime clash with Bournemouth and Magpies’ head coach Steve McClaren is considering weathering the storm by delving into the emergency loan market for a more experienced stopper, with Speroni emerging as a potential target.
The Argentine international has attracted interest from a host of Championship sides since returning from a serious finger injury sustained in pre-season, but Palace are reluctant to let the influential 36-year-old end his 11-year-stay at Selhurst Park.
Despite slipping behind Wayne Hennessey and Alex McCarthy in Palace’s goalkeeping pecking order, former United manager Alan Pardew is extremely fond of Speroni and views the stopper as an integral member of the Eagle’s dressing room.
Although Palace are unwilling to let the iconic Argentine depart on a permanent deal, a short-term loan spell with Newcastle could suit both parties.
Speroni would be allowed to regain match sharpness at the highest level following his spell on the sidelines and Steve McClaren would be presented with a dependable figure to tend the nets, until the Magpies’ goalkeeping crisis abates.
