Despite Alan Pardew telling fans of Newcastle United, that he was particuarly happy with the number of goalkeepers at the club, it seems that the Toon may be looking to add to the impressive trio of Steve Harper, Tim Krul and Fraser Forster.
The Daily Mirror has claimed that Anderlecht keeper Silvio Proto is a target for the Magpies, and Newcastle scouts have been seen during recent Anderlecht matches. The 27 year old Belgian has been ever present for Anderlecht this season, and his team currently top the Belgian league having conceded just 20 goals this season.
Newcastle’s current stopper, Steve Harper, isn’t getting any younger, and although stand-in Tim Krul has shown some promise in between the sticks, it’s understood that Pardew could be considering a move for Proto this summer. Quite what Krul, not to mention fellow keepers Fraser Forster and Ode Soderberg will make to this kind of story is another matter. Krul has impressed fans with his performances and Forster has been the target for Neil Lennon’s Celtic following a loan spell there.
Even Harper, who at 36 has some way to go before retirement, must be smarting at the news given his own impressive record for the Magpies. He spent a good deal of time as understudy to the excellent Shay Given, but was finally able to show his talent during United’s season in the Championship, and again throughout this season.
It’s unknown precisely how much Proto would cost, but with so many options already available to him, surely Pardew would be better off spending money on reinforcing the outfield side of the team?
Follow Peter Turner on Twitter @petermagpie
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