According to the Chronicle, Karl Darlow has now entered talks with the club over a potential contract extension – suggesting he will be staying at St James’ Park this summer despite reports that he was all set to be sold.
Following the £4m signing of Martin Dubravka, the former Forest stopper had been linked with a move to Leeds and looked very likely to depart after struggling for game time over the second half of the season.
It’s since emerged from the Chronicle that he is keen to ‘fight for his place’ on Tyneside, however, with him now in talks with the club over extending his stay at the club:
“Dubravka will start next season as the club’s first choice goalkeeper – but we understand that Darlow is settled in the North-East and still aims to sign an extension to his current contract with talks currently ongoing with United officials.
“The former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Leeds United since the season ended, but he still believes he is capable of playing at Premier League level for years to come.
“At 27, Darlow still feels he has his best years ahead of him”
The last line is a funny one. If he feels he has the best years ahead of him, would he not be pushing for a move away in order to guarantee himself first team football – something he won’t get if Martin Dubravka keeps up his phenomenal form.
It’s also worth mentioning that Benitez has been tipped to bring in ANOTHER goalkeeper this summer, meaning he could slip even further down the pecking order.
We shall see. Maybe Rafa will resist signing another goalkeeper and Elliot will be sold instead (along with Sels), however I’m not quite sure how this works for Darlow if it’s first-team football he’s after.
Personally, I’d be tempted to cash in. It’s admirable that he wants to fight for his place, but I suspect he’ll struggle to find a way back into Benitez’s side if Dubravka continues to perform.
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