Newcastle to bring England goalkeeper in from the cold

Newcastle United look set to begin their search for a new goalkeeper early with former Toon academy graduate and Celtic star Fraser Forster topping the list of candidates.

The move comes amid reports that current number one Tim Krul is set to depart the club come the end of the season, with Barcelona believed to be weighing up a bid for the Dutch international who is highly rated across the continent.

And while that move may hinge on whether the current transfer ban imposed on the Catalan club remains in place, it is widely thought that, regardless of whether a Nou Camp move comes to fruition, the stopper will seek to leave St James’ Park come the end of the season.

This transfer could prompt Newcastle United to bid for former player Fraser Forster, who left the Tyneside club for Celtic on a permanent deal back in June 2012.

And the former Wallsend Boys Club member has impressed for the Bhoys ever since, setting a new club-record of 11 league clean sheets in a row back in February as well as setting a new Scottish League record of 1,256 minutes without conceding a goal.

Despite taking on a starring role for the Hoops though, the 26-year-old has found his opportunities for the England team somewhat limited, with the keeper playing second-fiddle to Joe Hart despite the Manchester City man enduring some poor form in the Premier League this term.

Many have suggested that Roy Hodgson’s continued preference for Hart may be, in some part at least, down to the fact that he plies his trade in the Premier League rather than the less competitive Scottish top flight, where Celtic hold a 25-point lead at the top of the table.

This has prompted many to suggest Forster will seek a move down south come the conclusion of the current campaign and with a potential vacancy for a starting keeper in the offing at former club Newcastle it could prove a match made in heaven.

Celtic paid £2m for the keeper two years ago and could push for at least three times that fee, but with Newcastle boasting plenty of money in the transfer coffers and likely to have additional funds from the sale of Krul, negotiations could prove relatively straightforward.

Newcastle are next in action in the Premier League against Arsenal at the Emirates, with the Gunners 1/3 for a home win while the Toon are 8/1 outsiders for victory.

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