Karl Darlow could become the new Steve Harper at Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

The Chronicle reported on Sunday that Steve Bruce is “keeping an eye” on the goalkeeping situation at Newcastle ahead of the January transfer window.

If you asked fans where the priorities for strengthening are, very few would likely suggest it is the goalkeeping department.

With Martin Dubravka allegedly close to agreeing a new and improved deal, a future England international currently making a name for himself at Swansea, and the very capable number two Karl Darlow, it is hard to see why they may need to add to the numbers.

But with Woodman still likely to leave next summer, despite signing his one year extension at Newcastle before his loan move, it would leave Newcastle with just Dubravka and Darlow as senior keepers.

The article also adds that Darlow, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is “confident” of signing a new deal this season, which would be good news for Newcastle.

Darlow has rarely had a run in the Premier League, despite starting 34 games during Newcastle’s Championship season.

That season apart, he has made just 19 top flight starts for the Magpies, and while he may be happy at the prospect of signing a new deal on Tyneside, he is quickly becoming the new Steve Harper.

Karl Darlow seems happy to be second choice just like Steve Harper was

Harper was loyal to the extreme for Newcastle, so much so that people often questioned his ambitions, as much of the time at the club saw him playing back-up to Shay Given between the posts.

He did eventually get his chance, of course, and did not let the club down – barring one slip at Anfield when he was lobbed by Xabi Alonso from the halfway line.

But Darlow is seemingly destined to follow in Harper’s footsteps, with him content to play back-up and await his chance.

With Dubravka’s impending new deal, should Newcastle avoid relegation, you wonder when that chance may come.

Obviously Dubravka could pick up an injury that keeps him out of the side for a long spell, but should a goalkeeper be relying upon that happening?

Darlow could walk into most Championship sides, and arguably could be first choice at one or two Premier League clubs.

So while it is great for Newcastle if he decides to stay, I do not think there would be many supporters who would begrudge him leaving, if he decided to look for first team football.