Newcastle United are in talks with Karl Darlow over a new contract – and he’s in line for a major role next season, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claim the 6ft 2in goalkeeper (source: Transfermarkt) is in negotiations about extending his deal, which expires in 2019, as he prepares to be the deputy to new signing Martin Dubravka next season.
The Chronicle report Darlow is set to get the nod over Rob Elliot to be the main back-up to Dubravka and regularly make the matchday squad.
OPINION
It would certainly represent a major boost to Darlow if he is given the nod by manager Rafael Benitez to be the second choice keeper ahead of the experienced Elliot and rising star Freddie Woodman. There is set to be plenty of competition for the goalkeeper position at Newcastle next season even though Matz Sels is likely to return permanently to his native Belgium. Dubravka will surely start 2018-19 as first choice after his impressive loan spell, but he will need to consistently perform as Benitez will have other decent options to choose from. Darlow has a fine track record and is entering the age – 27 – when keepers are usually starting to peak. He has made 58 appearances for Newcastle since signing from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2014 and kept 20 clean sheets in that time. He was a major success at Forest, where he was regarded as one of the outstanding keepers in the Championship after emerging from their youth ranks, but will feel he has improved since that point and has plenty to offer at Premier League level.
