Could Newcastle’s Karl Darlow be the ideal replacement for Everton-bound Jordan Pickford at Sunderland?
Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford
Sunderland will be preparing for life without Jordan Pickford after the BBC reported Everton have agreed a £30m deal for the goalkeeper.
Pickford was one of the few positives for the Black Cats during a disappointing 2016/17 campaign that saw them finish bottom of the Premier League with 24 points.
Watford’s Odion Ighalo in action with Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford
They do currently have two other options between the sticks at the Stadium of Light in Vito Mannone and Mika. However, the former quickly fell behind Pickford in the pecking order after conceding 19 goals in nine league matches, while the latter is yet to make a senior appearance following a 2016 move from Boavista.
So should whoever becomes the new Sunderland manager be looking to bring in a new stopper as they prepare for their first season in the Championship in ten years?
If so then perhaps they should look no further than their North East rivals Newcastle United, where the future of Karl Darlow is uncertain, according to the Chronicle, despite a decent year with the Magpies in which they won the title and promotion back to the top flight.
Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez wants to shake up his squad over the summer and that apparently includes signing a new ‘keeper, which could see Darlow leaving St James’ Park.
This is despite the fact the 26-year-old played 36 times last term and has 140 Championship appearances under his belt to date, making him possibly the perfect candidate for the Black Cats at that level.
Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow in action
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