Tim Krul nears Newcastle United return

Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul is reportedly closing in on a return to training after missing more than a month through injury.

Krul has been out since sustaining ankle ligament damage in February but is now walking unaided and doing light gym work ahead of a planned April return, according to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Rob Elliot has stood in for the Dutch international and helped Alan Pardew's side reach the Europa League quarter-finals.

Krul is thought to be targeting the last-eight tie with Benfica as his chance to return, with the second leg on April 11.

Newcastle also face Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby next month and hope to have Krul and Fabricio Coloccini available for that clash.

The Magpies currently sit 13th in the Premier League, six points clear of the relegation zone.