Alan Pardew was surprised to read speculation linking Crystal Palace with a move for Tim Krul when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
Pardew worked with the Holland international during his time in charge of Newcastle United, which came to an end earlier this season when he left St James’ Park to return to his former club Palace. It has been reported that the Eagles boss is set to raid his old employers at the end of the season, and make a move for a player who has represented the Magpies on 169 occasions.
Krul is undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, and has also been capped by his country seven times. His contract in the North East runs until the end of the 2016/17 campaign, but Mike Ashley may be tempted to cash in should a handsome offer arrive. However, Pardew has dismissed reports that he intends to lure the 27-year-old to Selhurst Park.
“I’m surprised at that because there’s been no contact between me and Newcastle, and there’s been no contact between me and the player or the agents who represent him,” he said. “I don’t know where that’s come from, and quite frankly it’s unwelcome really. I have a great situation with my goalies here. Tim Krul is a Newcastle goalie and I’m pretty confident that’s where he’ll stay.”
Current Palace number one Julian Speroni has been at the club for over a decade, and has enjoyed another impressive season as the capital club have secured their top-flight security with considerable ease. The Argentine will have his testimonial match against Dundee, whom he served from 2001-2004, this summer, and Pardew has hailed the impact he has had at the club.
“He’s not just been a great servant as a player for the football club, but he’s one of the true gents of the game,” he said. “Being an old Corinthian myself, he definitely takes that spirit into the way he plays. If he knocks someone over he’ll be the first there to pick them up and offer them some sympathy. He’s been a fantastic player, he’s loved at this football club, and we love him.”
Although Alan Pardew denies an interest in Tim Krul, do you expect the Crystal Palace manager to make a move for any of his former Newcastle United players this summer?
