Magpies star in demand

Chelsea are reportedly considering a £15m summer swoop for Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the Dutchman, who has impressed this season with the Magpies but the Daily Mail claim they have been priced out of the running by the Blues' determination to land the 24-year-old. The Stamford Bridge outfit are believed to be in the market for a new number one due to growing concerns about the form of Petr Cech this season. Owner Roman Abramovich is expecting a busy summer of wheeling and dealing, whoever ends up as manager, as he looks to freshen up the squad to put them back into contention for the Premier League title. Krul would form the last line of defence in this new-look Blues team if he accepts the £90,000-a-week pay packet that has put off their FA Cup semi-final opponents from turning to him to replace veteran Brad Friedel. The Magpies did hand the goalkeeper a new long-term deal earlier this year but owner Mike Ashley is no stranger to selling popular players if the price is right. Chelsea do have highly-rated youngster Thibaut Courtois on their books, but the man who they signed for £8m from Genk last summer, has already expressed his desire to spend another season on loan at Atletico Madrid.