Newcastle United are reportedly one of three top-interested sides hoping to sign PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet before Thursday’s deadline at 11pm.
Fox Sports in Holland claim that the 26-year-old is on Rafa Benitez’s shortlist as his side continue to search for a new goalkeeper after they missed out on Willy Caballero and Pepe Reina.
It is said that Portuguese champions Benfica are also interested in the nine-time Holland international, while Premier League side, Crystal Palace also want to sign PSV’s number one.
The report claims the Magpies could steal a march on their rivals by including Tim Krul in a deal to sign the goalkeeper, with the injury-prone Krul said to surplus to requirements at St. James’ Park.
It is expected to be a busy few days on Tyneside as the transfers deadline approaches, with Benitez keen to bring further reinforcements to the club in order to steer clear of relegation.
Football Weeks analyses the potential signing of Jeroen Zoet and whether all interested three parties can strike a deal in the next three days.
Does Jeroen Zoet joining Newcastle makes any sense?
The Toon need a new man between the sticks with Krul and Karl Darlow surplus to requirements, while Rob Elliot is not deemed good enough to be the Magpies’ number one for the entire 2017-18 season.
The goalkeeper has proved time and time again that he is one of the best goalie outside of Europe’s top five leagues in England, Italy, Spain, Germany and France, as he continues to ply his trade brilliantly for PSV in the Eredivisie.
Registering a huge 61 clean in 163 games for the Dutch side, the Netherland No. 1 has now entered the final two years of his contract.
Proven in top-tier football and one of the best goalkeeper in Europe, the 26-year-old joining Newcastle would be the best thing since slice bread if Newcastle can secure a deal for less than £10million.
So, what are the chances of him joining Newcaslte?
There are few issues that need to be dealt with by Benitez and the club, and quickly, if they are to push through a deal for the goalkeeper.
The club’s president Mike Ashley is unwilling to spend his own cash at St. James’ Park, which has seen Benitez sell a number of fringe stars including the likes of Emmanuel Riviere, Daryl Murphy and Siem de Jong.
If the Spaniard can raise enough cash, then there is no reason why a deal cannot be made.
Benfica is likely to tempt Zoet, with the lure of Champions League football, so the Toon must also do some convincing in that area too. But a deal is achievable, even with only three days left in the window.