Newcastle United transfer round up: Krul holding up Magpies pursuit; Rafa wants Kenedy deal this week

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A round-up of Newcastle United stories from the past 24 hours.

Newcastle United’s goalkeeper pursuit is being held up by their inability to move on any of their current ones, The Chronicle reports.

Both Karl Darlow and Tim Krul have been linked with moves away from St James’ Park this summer, with the latter the one whose sale is being most actively sought.

The Dutchman has been linked with Benfica and Crystal Palace this week, although it is claimed he is in no rush to sever his ties with the Magpies.

According to The Daily Star, however, Krul is one of four Newcastle players set to leave in the next few days, along with Emmanuel Riviere, Jack Colback and left-back Massadio Haidara.

Tim Krul in action for AZ

Toon boss Rafa Benitez is currently short in Haidara’s position, although The Chronicle reports he is keen to tie up a deal for Kenedy – who can also play there – this week, after Chelsea delayed the Brazilian winger’s loan to Tyneside.

But according to The Daily Mail, Newcastle are pursuing left-back alternatives in the shape of Bristol City’s Joe Bryan and Genoa’s Diego Laxalt.

The Magpies are said to be in talks to sign the former, and have allegedly enquired about the latter’s availability.

Elsewhere, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has commented on the futures of respective Newcastle targets, Lucas Perez and Jack Wilshere.

And the Frenchman has good news where the Spaniard is concerned, telling Football London: “There is a possibility (of him going). I opened the door for him because we have many strikers.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

“If he finds a good opportunity we will help him.”

But Wilshere will not be leaving the Emirates Stadium, despite being in the final year of his contract.

“I plan on him to be here for the whole season,” said Wenger. “Afterwards, we’ll see at the end of the season.

“For him it’s good that he is back and available. I think he needs games now.”

And finally, the future of another Newcastle-linked striker, George Hirst, looks set to be resolved in the near future.

The Daily Mail again listed the Magpies as suitors of the Sheffield Wednesday talent on Tuesday, but claimed that Leicester City were leading the race to sign him after upping their bid to £2 million.

However, according to The Sheffield Star, those figures are somewhat embellished, and Wednesday intend to reject the Foxes’ bid regardless.

It is claimed that a new deal could be on the cards for the 2017 Toulon Tournament top scorer, followed by a loan move to Rotherham United.

Try again next year, perhaps.