According to reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola (HITC in English), Benfica are interested in making a £4.5million swoop for Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul.
Tim Krul has been a very popular figure among the Newcastle United faithful since breaking into the first team setup at St. James’ Park back in 2010 and the Dutchman has since gone on to make over 180 appearances for the Magpies.
However, Krul has struggled since rupturing his cruciate ligament on international duty with the Netherlands in October 2015 and the 29-year-old has not made a single appearance for Newcastle following his injury.
With Newcastle playing in the Championship last season, Krul was sent out on loan to Ajax and then AZ Alkmaar but the goalkeeper failed to impress during his time in the Netherlands and has returned to Newcastle this summer.
Manager Rafael Benitez now clearly does not view Krul as the goalkeeper he once was and has made it clear that the ex-Falkirk man is free to leave Tyneside within the next two weeks.
In a development to the story, Portuguese outlet A Bola have gone on to claim that Krul is currently being eyed up by Benfica for around £4.5million and the Portuguese side are said to be viewing the towering custodian as a replacement for Ederson, who joined Manchester City.
Krul joined Newcastle for around only £200,000 and while his prospective sale for £4.5million certainly represents a big profit, the Magpies faithful would perhaps rather see the goalkeeper given a chance to prove himself again this season.