With Newcastle United in the relegation zone, having lost 3-0 in the Tyne-Wear derby and also losing their first choice goalkeeper, Tim Krul to injury, the Toon army in the Transfer Tavern could be forgiven for feeling a little glum.
Without their experienced Dutch stopper, Newcastle’s chances of avoiding relegation this season took a major turn for the worst- and there’s a real sense of doom in the North East, though some of that is coming from Sunderland.
It’s clear that the Magpies will need to venture into the transfer market in January to bolster their squad and between the sticks is one area Steve McClaren really needs to focus on, as a capable first-team stopper could prove decisive in the relegation battle.
Below, we’ve selected five options Newcastle have on their hands heading into the January search for a new goalkeeper.
Newcastle fans? Which of these options would suit the club best? Are there better options out there? Let us know!
PRESS THE IMAGE OF TIM KRUL BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE POTENTIAL REPLACEMENTS!
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Mark Schwarzer
Though age is not on Schwarzer’s side, he certainly has vast amounts of experience under his belt, having previously played for Middelsborough, Fulham and Chelsea in recent years.
The current Leicester City back-up goalkeeper could be an ideal short term replacement for Krul, while he could also provide valuable experience for Newcastle’s younger goalkeepers.
The main issue, however, is that Leicester would surely have to recall Ben Hamer from his loan spell at Bristol City if any deal was to happen.
Shay Given
Another experienced stopper, but also a legend at Tyneside – Given is also currently having to play second fiddle to Jack Butland at Stoke City.
However, Given has been frequently linked to a return to St James Park in the past, and a return of an ex-hero would surely provide a big lift around the club.
Finally, with the Republic of Ireland still hoping to make the Euros next year, it could also be some great match practice for Given.
Julian Speroni
This isn’t perhaps a name that would be the first to spring into everyone’s mind, but it is certainly one McLaren could consider.
With former Magpies boss and current Crystal Palace manager, Alan Pardew seemingly preferring the younger combination of Alex McCarthy and Wayne Hennessy, it could be a good time for Speroni to experience another challenge in his career.
Speroni, who has been at Palace for a number of years, is certainly not shy of Premier league experience, having made many top saves in recent seasons.
Victor Valdes
This would perhaps be the biggest coup of the lot, for as good as the other three goalkeepers are, their CV’s do not even come close to that of Manchester United goalkeeper, Valdes.
Having been frozen out of the club by Louis Van Gaal, the likes of the Mirror have reported that Valdes not only wishes to stay in the Premier League, but he has also been strongly linked to Newcastle.
With his experience and skill in the net, Valdes is the sort of calibre that could win teams ten points a season, something that could be vital in keeping Newcastle in the division.
Stick with Elliott/Darlow
The final option is of course the cheap one, but perhaps one that Newcastle fans may least favor. However, with Mike Ashley’s track record of not spending loads of money in January, this could unfortunately be one that happens.
While Rob Elliott has perhaps not set the world alight, the Toon Army haven’t really been able to properly assess the talents of Karl Darlow, who they signed from Nottingham Forest in 2014. Darlow, who is yet to make an appearance from Newcastle, is apparently only a month away from fitness.
While it may be a big ask for him to unlock his potential this quickly, it is surely worth giving him a shot before the January window, to see if he really is up to scratch.
