EPL Transfer News: Rob Elliot Signs with Newcastle FC

The latest news circulating Twitter is that Charlton FC goalkeeper Rob Elliot has signed a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee at Saint James Park.

This seems like a logical story, as Sky Sports News was reporting earlier today that the 25-year-old stopper was having a medical at the Newcastle ground.

The only question is: why?

Newcastle have three very good keepers on their books already: Dutch international Tim Krul, long-serving Steve Harper and Fraser Forster, who is on loan at Celtic.

Krul has been in scintillating form at the start of the premiership campaign, despite being told by Alan Pardew that he is not guaranteed the No. 1 jersey.

I watched the last two games against Scunthorpe and Fulham and can honestly say that without Krul we wouldn't have won them.

His reflexes are world class, and he made some vital saves that had the Toon Army drooling and the opposition fans frustrated.

It therefore baffles me that we would need an extra keeper because even if Krul gets injured we have the experienced Harper to don the gloves and step in.

This leaves me to question the future of Harper. I can't believe Alan Pardew would have signed a talented new goalkeeper as third cover. The lad simply wouldn't have come.

Does this mean he wants Elliot to push Krul for a starting place and edge Harper out of the picture?

It's an interesting question, and only time will tell what role the lad will play in the Newcastle squad. But hopefully he will be a decent signing for us—provided he didn't take too much of a chunk out of the transfer budget.

Comments welcome.