Pictures were revealed today of the Newcastle squad in training ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with Bradford City and the confirmed absence of Tim Krul, Acrhaf Lazaar and Emmanuel Riviere have fuelled yet more rumours that they are nearing their NUFC exits.
The trio were not included in the squad to face Preston at the weekend, nor the week training camp in Ireland and, of the three, Lazaar is the only one to make any appearance in pre-season thus far, coming on for a late cameo in our 2-1 in over Hearts.
Krul returned to the North-East this summer after a season in Holland and was said to be eager to resurrect his career at the club, however the long-serving Dutchman is yet to feature in pre-season. Given Benitez is looking to get a goalkeeper or two off the books this summer and is targeting a new number one, Krul’s days looked numbered.
Lazaar actually impressed during his short cameo against Hearts last week, but his no-show against Preston the week following suggests he will be moved on this summer after failing to impress Benitez.
Goal-shy striker Emmanuel Riviere is a player who’s always been unlikely to resurrect his Newcastle career after a dire few season. Ligue 1 side Metz are believed to be showing an interest.
