West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing Newcastle United goalkeeper, Karl Darlow.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from NewcastleWorld who claim that the 30-year-old goalkeeper has had his escape routes narrowed due to Zack Steffan’s proposed switch from Manchester City to Middlesbrough.
As per the report, Boro boss Chris Wilder was keen on a move for the experienced Magpies keeper’ and was consequently on his “wanted list”.
Yet with Steffan’s potential switch, which is said to potentially be completed as early as this week by the report, the interest in Darlow would almost certainly end from a Wilder and Middlesbrough perspective.
It is said that Darlow has been interesting West Brom but wages could prove to be a stumbling block.
But following Nick Pope’s arrival from Burnley, Darlow now finds himself as a third-choice goalkeeper behind the aforementioned and Martin Dubravka.
Should West Brom move for Darlow?
Supporters will love him
After Sam Johnstone’s departure, Bruce could ideally do with some quality, as well as bolstered depth, between the sticks.
£2.25m-rated Darlow offers both of the aforementioned requirements at the Hawthorns and a chance to play and reunite with his former boss in what would result in regular minutes could prove tempting enough to take a wage cut – with his salary believed to be the biggest stumbling block in the even of a switch to the Midlands side.
Throughout his Premier League career, the Englishman has made 52 appearances, racking up 170 saves along the way. Although he’s not played a huge deal, that experience could still prove vital to a team aiming to achieve promotion next term.
For some perspective on how impressive that statistic is, Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson has made 137 saves in 49 Premier League games, so Darlow’s record in the league is significantly better from that standpoint.
It would represent yet another astute signing from Albion, so Bruce needs to get this deal wrapped up, pronto; supporters would undoubtedly love him after the exit of Johnstone.
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