OPINION
Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is in talks with the club over a fresh deal to remain at St. James’ Park despite interest from Leeds United.
As reported by the Chronicle, the 27-year-old is ready to fight for his place at the club despite their recent permanent purchase of Martin Dubravka, who will be their number one next season.
The regional newspaper report that Darlow is feeling settled in the north east, and is ready to commit his future to the Magpies despite the attention of the Whites.
This is a big blow for Leeds as they look to secure a new goalkeeper before next season, and the club must now pull out all the stops to convince Darlow to move south and ply his trade in the Championship next season.
The 27-year-old is the perfect candidate for the role, being vastly experienced in both the Championship and the Premier League during his time at Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
Darlow is also just about to enter the prime of his career, and Leeds would be signing a stopper who is basically at the peak of his powers.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell certainly looks like a future number one at Elland Road, but there remain questions over his viability next season, and Felix Wiedwald and Andy Lonergan are simply not up to scratch.
The Whites will need a solid, dependable presence in goal next season, and Darlow will bring that alongside his knack of pulling off incredible reflex saves.
The move will also be beneficial for Newcastle, who would be getting a goalkeeper off their packed books, with the club currently having four players vying for a place in the squad.
The news that Darlow has entered talks with Newcastle, and that he is settled on Tyneside, are a massive blow for Leeds, but this does not mean that all is lost.
The club must now pull up trees to convince Darlow that a move south will be the best step for his career, with an enticing financial package also essential as they attempt to pull off what now looks to be a miracle swoop.
