According to Alan Nixon at The Sun, Newcastle are preparing a ‘surprise bid’ for West Brom stopper Josh Griffiths, with Dan Ashworth leading the charge after being impressed by the youngster during his time at the Hawthorns.
The report adds that Middlesbrough are the new favourites to land Karl Darlow after leapfrogging loan club Hull, meaning the England Under-21 talent is now being targeted.
Loris Karius is yet to sign a new contract and Martin Dubravka is unlikely to settle for a bench role next season, so a young shot-stopper able to compete with Nick Pope could make sense.
Griffiths made just 10 league appearances for the Baggies last season, but is an exciting talent who has also been called up to the England Under-21 squad very recently.
During Ashworth’s time in the West Midlands – where he served as West Brom’s technical director – it’s thought he became a big fan of the 21-year-old and could look to bring him to Tyneside in the coming months, with Albion forced to sell a few players this summer.
Should we sign him, Griffiths could be utilised as a cup keeper during next season or may be loaned out to continue his development at senior level after previous spells with Portsmouth, Lincoln and Cheltenham.
