It has been confirmed this afternoon by Sky Sports and local press that Newcastle have turned down a £5m bid from Middlesbrough for goalkeeper Karl Darlow – claiming a second bid is expected with Reading and Aston Villa also interested.
It was reported earlier this week that Reading were eyeing a £5m bid for the 26-year-old stopper, with Jaap Stam confirming their interest, however it is Gary Monk’s Middlesbrough who have moved first.
SkySources #nufc reject 5m bid from rivals #mfc for goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Second bid expected. #avfc and #royals also interested. #SSNHQ
— Pete Graves (@PeteGravesSky) July 7, 2017
Middlesbrough have had a £5m bid for Karl Darlow turned down. But move could yet happen. #nufc #mfc
— Miles Starforth (@milesstarforth) July 7, 2017
After showing interest in Pepe Reina and Joe Hart, it is clear Rafa Benitez is on the lookout for a new no.1 this summer, putting Darlow’s future in doubt given the plethora of goalkeepers on our books (Elliot, Krul, Sels, Woodman, Darlow).
Whilst Darlow’s sale could fund a move for Pepe Reina, I would be reluctant to sell him, especially for a fee in the region of £5m, which doesn’t do a young, capable English goalkeeper justice given the inflated transfer fees being thrown around this summer.
