According to the Mirror, Leeds have ended their interest in Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow after refusing to meet our £4m asking price.
The report states that Newcastle aren’t willing to budge on price, with Benitez needing a decent cash boost of his own so he can sign new players for himself this month.
That said, Darlow is now down the pecking order at the club and clearly not in Rafa’s plans, so it may be wise to lower our demands IF any money would then be available for Benitez this month.
It sounds like Leeds will now look elsewhere, however. Here’s a snippet from The Mirror’s latest piece on Leeds’ interest:
Leeds United are prepared to end their pursuit of Karl Darlow because of Newcastle United’s £4million valuation and look at other goalkeeping options.
Leeds identified Darlow as the experienced keeper they wanted to provide cover for Bailey Peacock-Farrell and he has made 170 appearances for Newcastle and former club Nottingham Forest.
However it is understood they are unwilling to meet Newcastle’s £4million asking price for Darlow and want a loan deal.
Newcastle are refusing to budge and boss Rafa Benitez wants the cash to boost his meagre January budget for transfers.
This has prompted Leeds to look elsewhere and they do not want to be held to ransom.
Leeds have goalkeeper issues, with youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell forced to play at present, so I’m surprised they’re refusing to pay what seems like a fair price for Darlow.
He was our number one in the Championship winning season and has real pedigree at that level, so you’d think he is the perfect fit for what they’re needing to seal their return to the top flight.
It seems like a mistake on their part given they are in poll position to go up, but, given Ashley’s lack of backing, does Benitez almost certainly needs cash to spend more than he needs Karl Darlow.
If you sell, then you might be able to buy. That is not the MA way. Sell on the last day so there is no time to buy!
William J Powers(Quote)