News today that Newcastle are close to clinching a deal to take former Rangers goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus to St James' Park is a bit puzzling.
Glenn Roeder is hoping to land the 36-year-old Dutchman on a short-term contract while Shay Given recovers from abdominal surgery. Which has us wondering if the manager is not too confident in what he has on his books. After Harper's horror slip at Anfield, and the 60yd goal, perhaps he fears Harper is not up to the job. And obviously he hasn't yet got faith in Waterreus' 18-year-old compatriot Tim Krul.
Krul will certainly be on the bench for Thursday night's UEFA Cup clash with Levadia Tallinn, but Waterreus could arrive in time to join the squad for Sunday's Premiership trip to Manchester United. The goalkeeper twice won the Dutch championship with PSV Eindhoven, and also helped Rangers to the Scottish title during his 18-month spell in Glasgow.