Former Manchester United star Edwin van der Sar has written in his column for De Telegraaf that goalkeeper Tim Krul should leave Newcastle United in the summer.

What's the word?

It was not too long ago when Krul was the number one at St James' Park, but he lost the position last year due to injury.

The 28-year-old Dutchman was farmed out to Ajax on loan at the start of this season in order to get some minutes under his belt, but it was a disappointing spell.

He failed to make a single competitive forst-team appearance in six months, but rather than return to Newcastle in January, he was sent to AZ Alkmaar.

Krul has had better luck at this Eredivisie club as he has made eight appearances in all competitions.

Van der Sar, who spent six years playing for United, believes that the time is right for Krul to move on.

He wrote in his column:

"I hope [moving to AZ is] a turning point for him and that he’s going to make the next step in his career. Look at me, I would say, when I was 34-years-old. I also made the move towards an international club. That is the place you want to be in as with many Dutch footballers."

Should Krul give up on Newcastle?

In fairness to the shot-stopper, it seems that the Magpies have given up on him already.

In the summer, manager Rafael Benitez recruited Matz Sels, which made it even harder for Krul to win back his place, particularly as Karl Darlow is now first choice.

At his age, Krul still has plenty of time to compete at the top level, and given the current goalkeeping situation at Newcastle, it could be a step backwards if he returns.

It would be a big moment in Krul's career to leave the North-East outfit permanently as he has been associated with the club since 2005, when he joined the club's academy.

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