Harper facing Hull of a choice
NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Steve Harper is considering a loan move to Championship club Hull.
Toon boss Alan Pardew has confirmed that the 36-year-old, who had a spell at Brighton earlier this season, is wanted by the Tigers but that no deal has yet been agreed.
Pardew revealed: “There has been a little bit of contact about Harps to Hull. We are looking at that and Harps is considering whether that’s a possibility for him to get some games.”
Dutchman Tim Krul has established himself as Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper to leave Harper, who spent many seasons as Shay Given’s deputy on Tyneside, starved of action once again.
He has not made a senior appearance for the club this season and has found himself competing with summer signing Rob Elliot for a seat on the bench.
Pardew insisted there has been no contact with any club over midfielder Alan Smith amid reports he is wanted by Ipswich.
The 31-year-old, who joined Newcastle in a £6million move from Manchester United in August 2007, is out of contract at the end of the season.
Pardew has been linked with a £2million swoop for Chievo Verona centre-back Marco Andreolli.
Newcastle, who are without first choice defender Steven Taylor following a ruptured Achilles, are reportedly eyeing up the 25 year-old former Italy Under-21 star who is also a target for QPR.