Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow now finds himself in the middle of a battle between two Championship clubs for his signature this summer.
After impressing on loan at Hull City in the latter half of last season, Karl Darlow looks set to leave St James’ Park this summer bringing an end to his nine years at Newcastle.
Darlow’s form for Hull saw him pick up the Player of the Month award for March, but if the Tigers thought they’d have a clear run at him this summer, they may be in for some disappointment according to a report in the Shields Gazette.
Middlesbrough will revisit a move for Darlow
Rumours are abound that Middlesbrough could reignite their interest in the 32-year-old stopper having been interested in him last summer.
There’s still a scenario that could see Darlow remain on Tyneside, albeit an unlikely one. Martin Dubravka could leave which would put Darlow back into the number two spot, but Dubravka recently said he wants to stay at Newcastle.
Darlow would probably prefer to move to find first-team football over being a back-up at Newcastle anyway, so a move would suit both parties.
Darlow could never quite make the Number One spot at Newcastle his own
Now he just needs to choose between moving just a few miles down the road or moving a bit further afield to play in a team he’s already well established with.
Middlesbrough made it to the Championship play-offs being knocked out by Coventry City, whereas Hull finished mid-table with a 15th place finish. It’s likely that Middlesbrough will be in and around the top of the table again next season having really found their feet under Michael Carrick, so a move to Teesside could be appealing.
Whatever happens, it looks like Karl Darlow has played his last game for the Magpies. He was a fantastic servant to the club and an ever-reliable back-up ‘keeper, but just never managed to make that number one spot his own even when handed the opportunity.
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