Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez will block any attempts made by clubs to sign goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to Football Insider.
The reliable football outlet reports on their website that any hopes Leeds United had of signing the keeper were completely diminished now that the manager will not let Darlow leave on either a temporary or permanent basis.
Both the Whites and the 6ft 3in stopper were set upon getting a deal done this month, with the Championship club having already held talks regarding a move – but that is now a thing of the past.
OPINION
Darlow is Newcastle’s second-choice goalkeeper, so it is no surprise that Benitez will not greenlight an exit for the player who has had one outing in the Carabao Cup this term. Martin Dubarvka may be the club’s number one, but getting rid of Darlow would not be the wisest move that they have made this year. In fact, it would be a pretty detrimental one. With Freddie Woodman being the only back-up keeper if Darlow left, Benitez cannot afford to let Darlow go at this point in the season – as it would then mean that he would have to scour the market in time to find a new one. Darlow will no doubt be disappointed that he will not be allowed to leave, especially if he is in pursuit of first team football. Who can blame him? He is unlikely to usurp Dubravka any time soon, so the likelihood of him getting minutes under his belt is very slim indeed. A move to Leeds would have hugely beneficial, but seeming as he will not be allowed to leave any time soon, a stint on the sidelines will be more realistic.
