Derby County are interested in taking Newcastle United goalkeeper Rob Elliot on loan, according to reliable journalist Alan Nixon.
The journalist – who is known for breaking transfer news – claims on his personal Twitter account that the Rams are looking to sign the frozen-out stopper on a temporary basis from the Magpies in this transfer window.
The 32-year-old has not made an appearance for Newcastle so far this season after falling down the pecking order below the likes of Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman.
DERBY. Looking into loan for keeper Elliot at NEWCASTLE.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) January 13, 2019
Good move for Newcastle?
Yes, it would be a good move for Newcastle. Seeing as Darlow will not be leaving for the likes of Leeds anytime soon, offloading one keeper from the books is hardly going to do the club much harm. They already have back-up in the form of Darlow, Woodman and Dubravka, so getting rid of Elliot temporarily will not really do them any damage. Benitez should be glad to get rid of him, as it means he can get some minutes under his belt.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10
Likely to happen?
Nixon has only said that Derby have been looking into the loan, so no concrete swoop looks to be on the cards just yet. However, it is not going to take a lot to persuade Newcastle to part ways with their out-of-favour keeper, so a loan move is looking ever increasingly likely. Elliot is not going to get any game time at Newcastle any time soon, so a move would essentially benefit all parties involved.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10