Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Newcastle United would be facing the prospect of releasing a squad member if they wanted to bring in an out-of-contract goalkeeper in the aftermath of Tim Krul’s season-ending injury.

The Magpies’ squad is currently at its limit after they named the maximum 25-man roster to the Premier League in September.

There has also been talk of an emergency loan for United, but, even with Karl Darlow out for another month, in the eyes of the Premier League Rob Elliot and Fred Woodman are classed as fully-fit professionals.

And Newcastle would have to be down to one fit keeper in order to bring in another stopper via the loan system.

Bringing in a free transfer would involve drastic action from Newcastle.

They could reduce their squad size by releasing another player, but that would involve paying off a squad member and compensating them with the rest of their contract, something highly unlikely in the world of the money-conscious Magpies.

January could be a different story if Newcastle are still struggling in the goalkeeper department.

By that time they will have had a good look at Elliot and will potentially know whether 18-year-old Woodman can serve capably as a deputy.

Plus Darlow is expected to be back by November, so he could also get his chance.

One goalkeeper that Newcastle have been linked with in the aftermath of Krul’s injury is Victor Valdes.

The former Barcelona star, though, is still contracted to Manchester United at this time.

The Red Devils would need to release the player and Newcastle would have to free up a squad place for any possible switch.

Valdes’ agent Gines Carvajal has claimed the keeper will be on the move when the January window opens for business.

“He needs to go to a place he feels is right for him,” he said.

“He won’t be coming to Spain, unless he decides otherwise.

“It is obvious he must leave in January, and we are looking to find a move that he likes.”

At 33, Valdes is well above the age bracket that Newcastle usually look at signing players in and of course, the former Nou Camp keeper would command huge wages.

Newcastle’s outlook on potential new goalkeepers has also changed in recent times.

In the past, Andy Woodman, as a goalkeeping expert, had some input on new stoppers with chief scout Graham Carr focusing on outfield players.

(Image: 2014 Getty Images)

Although Woodman did recommend former Reading keeper Alex McCarthy a couple of years ago when it looked like Krul could leave the club.

Krul didn’t get a big move and the deal fell through with Woodman now working with ex-England Under-21 keeper McCarthy at Crystal Palace.

With Woodman gone now, Carr could have a free hand when it comes to looking for a new keeper.

Carr has previously been a fan of PSV Eindhoven goalie Jeroen Zoet.

The 24-year-old’s current contract at PSV runs out in summer 2017, but it would be hard to see Newcastle having Krul and Zoet on their books at the same time.

Had Krul got the move he would have potentially been open to a couple of years ago, Zoet could have been a choice for number 1 at Newcastle.

But the Magpies will hope that they can get through this difficult spell without Krul.

If they can, they will look at a younger third-choice goalkeeper going forward, with Elliot’s contract up at the end of this season and the club unlikely to renew it.