Chelsea are plotting an £8million summer move for Newcastle United stopper Karl Darlow, despite being told he is not for sale by the Magpies.
The goalkeeping situation at Newcastle is an interesting one and Rafa Benitez’s long-term plans for the starting spot are not yet clear. Summer recruit Matz Sels started the season as number one before losing his starting spot to Karl Darlow after a string of poor performances.
Rob Elliot and Tim Krul – currently with Newcastle under-23s and AZ Alkmaar on loan respectively – are both recovering from cruciate ligament injuries and either could still return to Benitez’s squad as first-choice.
Darren Witcoop of The Mirror understands Darlow is not seen as Benitez’s long-term number one – opening the door to a potential Chelsea exit.
Antonio Conte is actively seeking a replacement for back-up goalkeeper Asmir Begovic – who wants to leave Stamford Bridge in search of first-team football – and Darlow has been identified as their top target.
Newcastle issued a hands-off warning to Chelsea in January, insisting Darlow was not for sale, but The Mirror state the Blues have received ‘encouragement that the stance will change at the end of the season’.
