Newcastle United have rejected a £5million bid from Championship side Middlesborough for goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims that the Tyneside club are seeking more than the £5million offered for the 26-year-old and Middlesborough will now have to return with an improved bid in the near-future.
The report claims that the goalkeeper has been informed that he can leave St James’ Park this summer despite being the first-choice for the majority of last season.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has been in search of a new man between the sticks throughout the summer and he was left disappointed when former Manchester City goalkeeper Willy Caballero decided to join Premier League champions Chelsea.
Middlesborough are set to face some competition to land the goalkeeper in the transfer window as Reading manager Jaap Stam was recently quoted in the Reading Chronicle as stating that they are also interested in signing Darlow.
The Englishman played an important role in helping the Magpies achieve automatic promotion to the Premier League last season, keeping a total of 15 clean sheets in 36 appearances in all competitions.
Darlow did not feature in the last three Championship matches of the season as Benitez opted to go with Rob Elliot who had recovered from a long-term injury.
The goalkeeper’s current contract at St James’ Park runs out in 2020.