While Matz Sels is on the verge of a move away from Newcastle United, Karl Darlow should be boosted by Rafa Benitez’s failure to find a replacement.
Karl Darlow’s Newcastle United future had looked in doubt earlier this month as the club continued to be linked with new goalkeepers.
Willy Caballero and Pepe Reina were both mentioned, but neither seem likely now, with the former Manchester City keeper set for a move to Chelsea – according to the Daily Mail.
As well as seeing slow progress in their pursuit for a new man, Newcastle are also set to allow Matz Sels to return to Belgium – with Anderlecht – on loan, as reported by the Chronicle.
Sels’ struggles on Tyneside show the risks in bringing in a keeper without Premier League or Championship experience – and Newcastle’s options are running out.
Reina would have represented a clear upgrade on Darlow, but – according to talkSPORT – Napoli have been working hard to ensure they keep the ex-Liverpool star.
Newcastle do not need to buy a keeper for the sake of it and they could understandably be unwilling to look abroad again, given Sels’ poor showings.
Darlow impressed last season in the Championship and is still young enough to improve in the top flight.
With Freddie Woodman only a year or two away from mounting a serious assault on the number 1 shirt, too, Rafa Benitez should not be overly concerned if a move does not come off.
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