Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul is a target forBarcelona, according to numerous rumours circulating in spain.
Barcelona’s current number two keeper Joao Pinto is 37 later this year and is expected to be released by the club when his contract expires next summer. Reports suggest Krul could be the target of an 8million euro (£6.4million) bid from Barca as Pinto’s replacmemnt although it is doubtful whether Krul would swap being first choice for Newcastle with warming the bench at Barcelona.
Pinto arrived on loan from Celta Vigo in January 2008 but has made just 48 appearances for the side most of which have been in the Spanish Cup. He moved on a permanent deal for 550,000 euro in the summer of 2008 and here again the size of the fee casts doubts on the prospect of Barca paying so much for a second-choice keeper should they make a move for Krul.
Barcelona’s first-choice keeper, Victor Valdes, is 30 and could be expected to remain between the sticks for a few more years yet.
Young Borussia Moenchengladbach keeper Marc-André ter Stegen is being seen as an alternative.
