Newcastle United's Tim Krul is the latest keeper to be linked with the Blues. According to reports in the Dutch press, Chelsea want to sign Krul on a permanent basis and then loan him to Town for the season.

The Premier League side are said to be vying with Heerenveen and Feyenoord for the 20-year-old's signature, while PSV have dropped out of the race having recently taken Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson from Manchester City.

Town are certainly interested in signing a new keeper with the Richard Wright deal seemingly permanently stalled while West Ham resolve their goalkeeping situation. However, a loan move for Krul would be a surprise with the Dutchman younger and less experienced than Shane Supple, although he is very highly rated and expected to be a permanent fixture in the Holland side in years to come.

Coincidentally, Supple joined Falkirk on loan last season as cover after Krul dislocated a shoulder in a cup tie with Aberdeen.

Krul moved to Newcastle from home town club ADO Den Haag in 2005 and made his senior debut in the UEFA Cup tie with Palermo in November 2006, so far his only appearance for the Magpies.

The 6ft 2in tall keeper joined Falkirk on loan in August 2007 and made 26 appearances for the Bairns before his injury saw him return to Newcastle.

Krul recently signed a contract with the Magpies aimed at keeping him at the club until 2012.

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