Report: Karl Darlow wants assurances before signing new Newcastle deal

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Newcastle United reportedly hope to agree a new contract with Karl Darlow, but the stopper wants some assurances before agreeing terms.

According to a report from the Chronicle, Newcastle remain in talks with Karl Darlow about extending his contract at St James’ Park, but the goalkeeper wants some assurances from the Magpies before putting pen to paper.

Despite featuring prominently during their promotion-winning campaign last season, the 27-year-old has only enjoyed a brief run as number one this term, beginning the season as Rob Elliot’s understudy and then falling behind Martin Dubravka following his January arrival.

The Chronicle reports that Rafa Benitez wants to sign Dubravka permanently and keep Darlow and Elliot in his ranks for next term now that Premier League survival is assured.

The Chronicle adds that Newcastle are still in talks with Darlow regarding a new contract as he closes in on entering the final two years of his deal at St James’ Park, but he wants reassuring that he has a reasonable chance of enjoying first-team football before he commits his long-term future to Rafa Benitez’s side.

Can Benitez offer Darlow those assurances?

With Dubravka performing so well since arriving on loan, it would be a gamble for Benitez to make any guarantees that Darlow’s first-team prospects with the Magpies are not bleak.

The former Nottingham Forest man was excellent last season, but often struggled to replicate that form when given a chance this year and there may well be a decent section of the Toon Army who would prefer Elliot to be Dubravka’s understudy moving forward.