Tim Krul outlines his Newcastle United ambitions

Jul 30 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

Newcastle have rejected the chance to sign Krul’s compatriot, Dutch World Cup midfielder Stijn Schaars from AZ Alkmaar. The AZ captain was a non-playing member of the second-placed squad.

Unsurprisingly, manager Chris Hughton refused to be drawn into the controversy surrounding Dan Gosling’s arrival from Everton, or the argument that signing the midfielder and Sol Campbell had re-established the Magpies’ pre-eminence over Sunderland.

Everton this week released a statement criticising Gosling’s agents for allegedly reneging on a gentleman’s agreement by exploiting their failure to offer the injured player a new contract in writing. When it comes to Newcastle’s conduct, Hughton’s conscience is clear.

“Any comments are for others to make,” he said. “We are delighted to have got him and are 100% sure we did everything appropriate.”

Gosling and Campbell were both Sunderland targets, although the Black Cats claimed to have lost interest in the latter after signing Titus Bramble. Having been a division below their neighbours last season, some have interpreted the signings as an indication that the better-supported Magpies are once more the bigger draw for players.

“No I wouldn’t say that,” said Hughton. “We feel very fortunate to have got Sol and Dan Gosling. Whether it’s anything to do with the stature of the club is for others to comment on.

“But I do know what we have here – a wonderful arena and a club of great stature.”

Meanwhile, Tom Cleverley could yet play himself out of a loan move to Newcastle after he left Sir Alex Ferguson purring with his second goal of Manchester United’s pre-season tour of North America this week.

A piece of individual brilliance saw the 20-year-old flick the ball over a defender and volley into the net during Wednesday night’s 5-2 win over the MLS All-Stars.