According to the the Mirror, Karl Darlow is now ‘keen’ to complete a move to Leeds United – but Newcastle have told the Championship leaders they must pay £4m to sign him.
Darlow has slowly fallen out of favour after being Benitez’s number one for most of our Championship winning season. His case hasn’t been helped with the outstanding form of Dubravka either and with Woodman coming through the ranks, his days at Newcastle are surely numbered.
Watching Darlow over the last few years, he never fills me with confidence – especially from crosses. He lacks the presence to be a top keeper but would still be a decent signing for Leeds, who are overly reliant on young keeper Peacock-Farrell as they currently top the pile in the second tier.
Here’s a snippet from the Mirror’s piece, suggesting that Leeds would prefer a loan deal:
“Newcastle United have told Leeds United they will have to pay £4million to land goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
“Leeds would prefer to sign Darlow on loan for the remainder of the season and this could be a significant hurdle in the talks.
“However Leeds know Newcastle will have to move a goalkeeper out during the transfer window and it is understood Darlow is keen to come to Elland Road.”
£4m means we re-coup the money we spent on him with some change, after he arrived as part of the double deal from Nottingham Forest with now club skipper Jamaal Lascelles. It would means funds available (never a given under Ashley of course) to go into other areas of the team that desperately need strengthening, like attacking midfield.
We are well stocked with good goalkeepers and this may also mean more much needed football for Woodman – so this move would suit all parties, providing Leeds are happy to buy, not loan.
