OPINION
Leeds United could make a quick move to bolster their keeping ranks with a swoop for Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow.
It emerged yesterday (Wednesday) that the Yorkshire giants are interested in the 27-year-old as they look to provide competition for Bailey-Peacock Farrell next season.
The path is clear after Newcastle announced on their official website last night they have activated the release clause in Martin Dubravka’s 2017-18 loan contract to sign him permanently.
The Slovakian made a huge impression in the second half of the recently-completed domestic season and will begin next season as number one, with Rob Elliot and Freddie Woodman as back-ups.
Darlow has effectively been demoted to fourth in the pecking order and will surely be heading out of St James’ Park this summer, most likely to a Championship club.
This is where Leeds have a golden opportunity. Being fourth choice at Newcastle is no damning indictment. They are well stocked for keepers, with Elliot proven in the top flight and Woodman a rising star of English football.
Darlow showed during Newcastle’s promotion-winning campaign and at ex-club Nottingham Forest that he is a mighty fine Championship keeper.
Certainly, he would be a massive upgrade on Felix Wiedwald and Andy Lonergan, who will surely move on this window after wretched campaigns at Leeds.
Peacock-Farrell showed promising signs during his extended run at the end of the recent Championship season but he still has much to learn and needs genuine competition for the number one spot.
Signing a proven keeper in the division with his best years ahead of him would precisely achieve that.
The door is ajar if Leeds’ recruitment team are ready to pounce.
