Newcastle close in on Waterreus

Waterreus is a free agent after leaving Rangers in the summer

Newcastle are on the verge of signing former Manchester City and Rangers goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus.

Magpies boss Glenn Roeder wants to bring in the 36-year-old former Dutch international on a short-term deal to act as cover for Steve Harper.

First choice Shay Given is recovering from abdominal surgery and Roeder will have Tim Krul, 18, on the bench for the Uefa Cup tie with Levadia Tallinn.

But Waterreus may join before Sunday's league game against Manchester United.

Waterreus moved to England in 2004 when he signed for Manchester City from PSV.

But he made just two league appearances during his five-month stay and joined Rangers in January 2005.

Waterreus made 62 appearances for Gers during his 18-month spell in Glasgow and helped the club win the Scottish title.

But he left in June after failing to agree a new contract at the Ibrox club.