Waterreus linked to Magpies

Newcastle are close to clinching a deal to take former Rangers goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus to St James’ Park.

Manager Glenn Roeder is hoping to land the 36-year-old Dutchman on a short-term contract as cover for Steve Harper while Shay Given recovers from abdominal surgery.

Waterreus’ 18-year-old compatriot Tim Krul will 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 Barclays Premiership trip to Manchester United.

The former PSV Eindhoven player twice won the Dutch championship and also helped Rangers to the Scottish title during his 18-month spell in Glasgow.

Roeder also considered former Fulham keeper Jaroslav Drobny, although has played down suggestions that Swede Magnus Hedman was a contender.