Reading manager Jaap Stam has confirmed that he is interested in signing Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper was key in helping the Magpies secure promotion to the Premier League last season as he stood firm between the sticks for most of the campaign.
However such strong performances from the ex-Nottingham Forest man have seen Stam add him to a shortlist of goalkeepers that he is keeping an eye on over the summer.
This comes after the Dutch manager announced that Ali Al-Habsi is looking to leave the Madejski Stadium after he was linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.
Stam made no secret of his interest in Darlow, and also joked that Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is on his transfer wishlist.
“We have a list with eight possible goalies,” said Stam, as quoted by the Reading Chronicle. “There is Darlow.
“We have to look at if we can afford the fees and the wages.
“It’s never going to be easy to bring in someone of the same or perhaps even better quality than Ali.
“Neuer from Bayern Munich is on there as well.”
Darlow faced fierce competition for the No 1 spot in Rafa Benitez’s first-team plans last season, but starred more than any other goalkeeper as he made 36 appearances across all contests, keeping 15 clean sheets.
Rob Elliot ousted Darlow from his spot between the sticks in the final three matches of the season as Newcastle went on to secure the Championship title.
Benitez has too many goalkeepers currently fighting it out in his squad.
As well as Darlow and Elliot, the Spaniard has to deal with the frustrated Matz Sels and two players who have returned from loan in Freddie Woodman and Tim Krul.