Eddie Howe answers if ‘Incredible’ Karl Darlow will sign for Leeds United
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has admitted goalkeeper Karl Darlow could be set to join Leeds United within the next few days.
Sky Sports Italy journalist Fabrizio Romano also tweeted on 26 July that the Whites are closing in on a deal for the keeper and that a verbal agreement is in place between the two sides.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Chelsea on 27 July in Atlanta, Howe said the transfer could go through in the next few days and that the 32-year-old has been an “incredible servant” to the club.
“Yeah again, that’s a possible one that might happen within the next few days,” said the Magpies boss.
“Karl would certainly go with our best wishes, he’s been an incredible servant to the football club. We value him highly, but we can’t carry a team of five goalkeepers.”
Highly regarded
It’s clear to see from Howe’s comments about Darlow that he is highly regarded by everyone at Newcastle after spending nine years at the club since signing from Nottingham Forest in 2014.
He hasn’t always been first choice during that time, but it’s a testament to his professionalism that he has been with the Premier League side for so long and has done a job whenever he’s been called upon.
He has, however, been involved in a promotion-winning side during his time on Tyneside as he featured 34 times when the club claimed the Championship title in the 2016-17 season.
After also taking in loans at Forest and impressing during the second half of the last campaign with Hull City, the shot-stopper has made 152 appearances in the second tier, keeping 48 clean sheets along the way.
A deal to bring Darlow to Elland Road will add a seemingly great character and excellent Championship experience to Daniel Farke’s side ahead of the start of the new season.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites boss has outlined the area he would most like to strengthen in the transfer window.