Pardew to rub salt in Newcastle’s wounds by poaching keeper Krul

Alan Pardew has been a revelation since his return to Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace boss, having remarkably guided them to 11th place in the Premier League to date and his side are now 10/3 chances with Coral to finish in the top 10.

The former Newcastle United manager is already planning ahead for the next season, as the Eagles are all-but safe from the drop after winning four of their last six top-flight fixtures, and is reportedly hoping to sign keeper Tim Krul.

Dutch stopper Krul worked under Pardew for five years at St James’ Park and, with the Magpies yet again in turmoil having lost their past six in the league, he could be tempted with joining the London outfit too.

According to tabloid reports, Palace could be willing to spend up to £10m for the seven-capped Netherlands international, which would represent a good profit for Mike Ashley. Krul was signed for a small compensation fee as a youngster 10 years ago.

The Eagles currently have two decent keepers on their books, in club hero Julian Speroni and Wales international Wayne Hennessey, but the former is out of contract at the end the season and the latter has barely featured since joining in January 2014.

In Krul, Palace would certainly be making an upgrade on their current stoppers, and the 27-year-old has a wealth of experience in the Premier League, as well as on the world stage.

At the time of writing, he has played 170 times for Newcastle in all competitions, and was famously brought on by then-Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal for a penalty shootout against Costa Rica in the World Cup quarter-finals. He saved two of the five shots to help Clockwork Orange progress to the semis.

If Palace can bolster their side, as well as keep their star players from this season, they can build on their success and make their aim next term more ambitious than just staying in the Premier League.