Barcelona are chasing the signature of Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul.

The Catalans want to bring in the 24-year-old shot-stopper as back-up for current number one, Victor Valdes, according to reports in The Mirror.

Krul, a Dutch international, would offer long-term competition for the Spaniard. Barcelona’s current back-up is 36-year-old Jose Pinto who is out of contract in the summer.

Tito Vilanova has ordered his scouts to find a new goalkeeper with Pinto on his way out, and the Geordies' young number one has reportedly got rave reviews.

Toon Army boss Alan Pardew claimed the great success of the recently shut Premier League summer transfer window from a Newcastle perspective was their ability to keep the stars who helped them to fifth last year.

So with the Geordies reluctant to sell, another issue may be the mind set of Krul who may not favour a move to a club where he is likely to be second choice.