Newcastle United have identified Manchester United outcast Victor Valdes as the man to replace injured Tim Krul.
The Magpies have immediately begun the search for a replacement between the sticks after Tim Krul was tragically ruled out for the remainder of the season whilst on international duty with The Netherlands. It is claimed, via ESPN, that Victor Valdes is the man wanted to replace Krul, should he be available for a move in January.
Newcastle will face strong competition for the Champions League winner with Liverpool and Chelsea being linked in recent weeks. However, Newcastle could be favourites to capture the Spaniard’s signature, as it is believed Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is not willing to let Valdes go to a Premier league rival.
Valdes has been out-of-favour since his arrival at Old Trafford on a free transfer last season. The former Barcelona man was thought to be on the verge of a move away from Manchester in the summer, after he was left at home for United’s tour of America and more recently, he was omitted from United’s Champions league squad.
Tim Krul ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in the Netherlands’ 2-1 away win over Kazakhstan in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday. It is thought he will not be available until next season.
Although his absence will come as a huge blow to Newcastle’s season, Steve McClaren’s side are thinking of a claim for compensation.
FIFA’s Club Protection Programme is a scheme that has paid out over £29m to settle 126 cases during the years 2012-2014, with a maximum of £5.5m for one injury, depending on the player’s salary.
The scheme was set up to help clubs whose players are seriously injured whilst away on international duty and Newcastle are more than familiar with it. In 2006, they received £10m for the knee injury suffered by Michael Owen on England duty in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
The absence of a recognised first-choice goalkeeper leaves McClaren with no choice but to turn to relative novices Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow who have amassed 16 Premier League appearances between their two careers.
