Should Villa look at Darlow and Elliott with Newcastle exit reportedly imminent?

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Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot are expected to leave Newcastle United this summer, so should Aston Villa take a closer look?

Newcastle United are once again targeting the goalkeeper position as one to change during the summer ahead of the 2018/19 season.

According to the Sun, Martin Dubravka is set to make his loan move from Sparta Prague a permanent one in a £4m deal, while unwanted Paris Saint-Germain stopper Alphonse Areola is also a £16m target.

This new direction from manager Rafa Benitez means there is no longer room in his squad for Karl Darlow or Rob Elliot and the Magpies will listen to offers for the duo.

Where next?

Both players are under contract at St James’ Park until 2020, but are likely to be sold for relatively modest fees having been deemed surplus to requirements.

The pair were given opportunities by Benitez this term, with Darlow making 12 appearances and Elliot 16, and arguably still have plenty to offer to someone else.

Which is why Aston Villa should maybe take a closer look. Sam Johnstone has been their undisputed number one on their run to the playoff final this term and while the Villans are keen to sign the Manchester United loanee permanently, football.london reports that West Ham United are also interested.

If the Birmingham club are promoted – with a Wembley showdown with Fulham on May 26 set to decide that – then landing the 25-year-old will become more likely, but whatever the scenario should Darlow and Elliot still be considered?

After all, either could provide adequate competition for Johnstone in the Championship or top flight, while in the second tier in particular they both have the potential to excel as first choice.