Leeds United want to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow as financial demands emerge
Leeds United are still in the race to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow despite two teams dropping out of the race over financial demands, according to The Northern Echo.
Writing on their website (18 July), it’s been revealed that Hull City and Middlesbrough have both walked away from a potential deal for Darlow due to Newcastle’s financial demands for a transfer.
However Leeds are still in the race for his signature and according to the report there is still a “good chance” Darlow leaves St James’ Park this summer.
“With Nick Pope expected to return from injury before the start of the season, Martin Dubravka still part of the Newcastle squad and Loris Karius having signed a new one-year deal earlier this month, there is still a good chance that Darlow could move on before the transfer window closes,” they wrote.
“Bournemouth and Leeds United remain interested in the 32-year-old, who has two more years of his current contract at St James’ Park to run, but while Darlow might find himself down the pecking order on Tyneside, Magpies officials are adamant they will not be allowing him to leave on the cheap.
“Hull and Middlesbrough both held extensive talks earlier this summer, but walked away from a deal when Newcastle’s negotiating team refused to reduce their financial demands.”
Strong
It’s clear the interest in Darlow is strong, but it’s interesting to see that clubs are walking away from a deal over the proposed finances of it.
Darlow is currently third-choice at best at Newcastle, but he is clearly very talented and there’s a reason so many clubs were interested in signing him.
Leeds need a goalkeeper after Joel Robles left the club, while Illan Meslier is expected to leave the club before the transfer window slams shut.
Darlow would surely jump at the chance to be a number one at Elland Road, and money shouldn’t be a problem for Leeds considering our financial situation is healthy and we have parachute payments for the first three years after relegation.
It’s clearly a priority position and with little time before the new season, the quicker the club take the plunge and get a deal done the better for all parties involved in the transfer.
In other Leeds news, a “secret meeting” has been held about a potential arrival at Elland Road.