Newcastle rejected multiple offers from Leeds for goalkeeper Karl Darlow in January, according to Football Insider.
The Magpies are said to have fielded both permanent and loan offers for the 29-year old, however the club elected to keep the former Nottingham Forest man at St James’ Park as they wanted a proven back-up for Martin Dubravka.
This move will see Newcastle take a financial hit, as Football Insider report that Leeds would have paid around £4 million for Darlow, which is over half of the £7 million that Newcastle paid Nottingham Forest for him in 2014.
Now though, Darlow will likely leave the club on a free transfer in the summer, with Newcastle not able to see any financial return on their investment.
Darlow played a major role in Newcastle’s recent return to the Championship, playing 34 times in the league for Rafa Benitez’s side, however he has been forced to play second fiddle to Dubravka in recent seasons.
Read Newcastle Verdict
While Leeds’ £4 million fee would have been a small financial gain for Newcastle, the Magpies may have made the right decision in rejecting the offer for short-term gain.
Dubravka is undoubtedly Newcastle’s first choice, starting every Premier League game this season so far, while he didn’t miss a single league game last season. Some have even labelled him as one of the best keepers in the division.
Should he fall to injury or suspension though, then Darlow may need to be relied upon as he currently represents the strongest option to deputise in his stead. While a case could be made for Rob Elliot to play, the Irishman hasn’t played a single game this season, while Darlow has managed a handful of cup appearances.
With the takeover talks still looming and with Mike Ashley still an unpopular figure on Tyneside, Newcastle may have bigger things to worry about than losing £4 million from a potential Darlow sale.
