Darlow exit likely as Boro show interest
Sports Writer KARL Darlow is still likely to leave Newcastle United this summer – despite Reading’s interest in the Magpies goalkeeper having seemingly ended.
Royals boss Jaap Stam had confirmed earlier this month that Darlow was “on a shortlist of eight” goalkeepers that the Championship club were considering approaching.
However, Reading have subsequently signed Sunderland stopper Vito Mannone,
As a result, Darlow is unlikely to become Ali Al-Habsi’s successor at the Madejski Stadium – but there remains firm interest in the United goalkeeper from elsewhere.
Middlesbrough appear to be Darlow’s most-likely destination.
Boro have already had both a loan deal and a £5million offer rejected by the Magpies, but reports on Wednesday morning claim that Darlow is now Garry Monk’s first-choice goalkeeper target.
Darlow excelled for the Magpies during the Championship but found himself slip behind Rob Elliot in the pecking order for the final few matches – while Rafa Benitez has confirmed he is looking to bring in another goalkeeper this summer.
Therefore Darlow could depart Tyneside in the coming weeks, as could Tim Krul, who has returned from loans at Ajax and AZ Alkmaar but sat out last week’s pre-season friendly at Hearts and is not involved in the club’s training camp across in the Republic of Ireland. Freddie Woodman has travelled across the Irish Sea, but the England Under-20 World Cup winner is expected to be sent out on loan to an EFL club in the coming weeks.
Many fans have questioned why Benitez is looking to recruit another goalkeeper given the apparent strength United already have in that department, but the United boss is determined to raise standards once more and bring in greater competition for Elliot.
“The main thing for Rob Elliot is to be fit and he’s training hard after playing the final three games of last season,” Benitez replied when asked about the goalkeeper situation during a press conference in Dublin.
“He is a good goalkeeper but I want him to compete.
“You can’t have players that think this is easy because they are the only one in that position.
“Hopefully we can bring in a new goalkeeper and this competition will be good for the team.”