Harper On His Way?

Last updated : 16 August 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

However, Newcastle United are expected to shun any bid for one of their most experienced players.

The Tykes are enduring a goalkeeping crisis and, with Ben Alnwick suspended after a red card against Rochdale and Luke Steele injured.

Harper’s name was near the top of Keith Hill’s shortlist as he looked to seek a replacement.

Hill: “I have to bring in another goalkeeper.

“The ramifications of Ben being sent off are greater than if we had been knocked out.”

Harper was wanted by Lee Clark’s Birmingham City earlier this summer in a player-coach role.

However, this was rejected by the Magpies, with the player holding talks with Alan Pardew on the first day of pre-season training to identify his role.

Harper has since appeared in three pre-season friendly games – against Monaco in Landsberg Am Lech in the 1-0 win, in the Algarve Tournament against SC Braga during a 2-1 triumph and in the 5-1 success over Hartlepool.

He could be on the bench against Spurs this weekend.