Martin Dubravka could stay, Nick Pope could sign and Freddie Woodman will return so what hope does Darlow have at Newcastle United?
Life could be about to get much harder for Karl Darlow at Newcastle United.
The goalkeeper has never really been Rafa Benitez’s undisputed first-choice at St James’ Park, only forcing his way into the starting XI due to poor form from the likes of Matz Sels and Rob Elliot.
But now, for the first time since Benitez arrived at Newcastle almost two years ago, the Tyneside giants appear to have a goalkeeper who is not only a reliable shot-stopper but someone who can play out from the back with his expert distribution.
Martin Dubravka’s debut in the 1-0 win against Manchester United could not have gone much better and, according to the Mirror, he could make his loan move from Sparta Prague permanent in the summer for £5.2 million.
And the Slovakia sweeper-keeper could be joined at St James’ by Nick Pope. The Sun claims that Newcastle are big fans of the 25-year-old and could make a move if he loses his place in Burnley’s starting XI when Tom Heaton returns from injury.
Add to this reports in the Mirror that England under-20 World Cup winner Freddie Woodman, currently on loan at Aberdeen, is seen by Newcastle as their future number one and the future does not exactly look positive for Darlow.
The former Nottingham Forest youngster’s last appearance came in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at the start of this month.
It is tempting to wonder how many more times he will wear the Newcastle badge on his chest.
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