Newcastle United keen on Julian Speroni?

Newcastle United have reportedly identified Crystal Palace's Julian Speroni as the ideal candidate to ease their current goalkeeping issues.

At present, the Magpies have Tim Krul, Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow all ruled out of action through injury.

As a result, 18-year-old Freddie Woodman, who is yet to make a senior appearance for the club, is the only keeper available to head coach Steve McClaren.

According to the Newcastle Chronicle, the Tynesiders are hopeful that they will be granted special dispensation to sign a new custodian outside of the transfer window by the Premier League, with Speroni one of their main targets.

However, the report adds that Palace boss Alan Pardew is keen for the 36-year-old Argentine to remain at Selhurst Park, despite the fact that he also has Wayne Hennessey and Alex McCarthy on the books.

Manchester United's Victor Valdes has also been linked with a move to St James' Park in recent weeks.