Middlesbrough are leading a clutch of Championship clubs showing interest in signing Karl Darlow, with the goalkeeper expected to leave Newcastle United during the summer sales.
That’s according to The Northern Echo, who report the Magpies are likely to move Darlow on, having finalised a £12m deal for Burnley stopper Nick Pope. The England international completed his transfer to Tyneside this Thursday, and has put pen to a four-year contract.
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Pope will now rival Martin Dubravka for ownership of the number one jersey at St James’ Park next season. Eddie Howe will provide the pair with a chance to earn the starting role ahead of Newcastle starting the new Premier League term at home to Nottingham Forest.
Pope to replace Darlow as Dubravka’s rival at Newcastle after Burnley exit
Darlow failed in his quest to oust Dubravka as Howe’s first-choice goalkeeper following the Magpies sacking Steve Bruce. The 31-year-old had featured between the sticks for Bruce’s final four top-flight fixtures in charge, plus the Toon’s three matches under Graeme Jones.
Brentford’s trip to Tyneside on November 20, while Jason Tindall occupied Howe’s seat in the dugout, would prove to be Darlow’s final appearance of the 2021/22 campaign across all competitions. He would only feature as an unused substitute in the league afterwards.
In his place, Dubravka kept eight clean sheets to 35 goals conceded over 26 appearances in the top-flight with Howe at the helm. Pope, meanwhile registered nine clean sheets to 47 goals conceded in 36 Premier League games, but could not help Burnley avoid relegation.
Middlesbrough leading Championship interest in Newcastle’s Darlow
Darlow is now highly expected to leave Newcastle, with Middlesbrough leading the clutch of Championship clubs interested in his services. The Teesside natives ended the 2021/22 campaign seventh in the second-tier standings, to miss out on the play-offs by five points.
But Boro could face competition from West Brom, with Bruce keen to reunite with Darlow as Sam Johnstone is set to join Crystal Palace. That’s according to The Sun, who have cited the Baggies as showing interest in signing Darlow, who Bruce called ‘terrific’ at Newcastle.
It is also possible that Newcastle agree to send Darlow out on loan next season, should no team – be it Middlesbrough or West Brom – show concrete interest in a permanent move.
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