Malcolm Macdonald: "I feel a lot of sympathy for Steve Harper.
"There’s no question that Tim Krul is now United’s No 1 keeper – and deservedly so – and also no question that United see Rob Elliot as the No 2.
"That’s why he was given a five-year contract and played at Forest.
"Harper has been a great servant to Newcastle and is a top-class pro, but at 36 years of age he should quietly slip away to another club with all our best wishes.
"He needs to be playing regular football at this late stage of his career.
"It’s the only way his body is going to remain up to scratch."