Leeds United have been given a huge boost in their bid to sign Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow next month as he is eager to move to Elland Road, according to Football Insider.
The reliable site claim talks are underway on an initial loan with a view to a permanent transfer as Leeds look to strengthen their keeping ranks after losing loanee Jamal Blackman for the rest of the season.
Football Insider report a well-placed source as saying Darlow has given the green light to talks taking place and that all parties are working on the deal ahead of the January window.
Good move for Leeds?
Yes, definitely. Leeds have done remarkably well this season under managerial maestro Marcelo Bielsa, but their goalkeeping ranks are paper-thin. The incumbent is the fallible Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who has been the number one since the final months of last season and is far from the finished product. Leeds need proven and quality competition for him, and Darlow would fit the bill in that regard. He has plenty of Championship as well as Premier League experience, and was a key player in Newcastle’s promotion campaign of two years ago.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
This move is gathering pace. Football Insider are a very reliable source of Leeds news and it is a key development that Darlow is willing to drop down to the Championship to ignite his career. Much will depend upon the terms of the transfer and what the fee would be if United and Newcastle can settle on the loan-to-buy terms. It is in Leeds’ favour that Darlow is the second choice at St James’ Park behind established number one Martin Dubravka.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10