Darren Randolph could be on his way out of West Ham United if the Hammers manage to crack a deal for Manchester City keeper Joe Hart. The English number one has been heavily linked with Slaven Bilic’s side and is expected to seal a move within a week.
If reports are to be believed, Newcastle United will have the chance to sign West Ham outcast Darren Randolph. Joe Hart topped Rafa Benitez’s wish list but the English no.1 is very close to completing a loan move to the London Stadium.
Despite the deserved success of last season, Benitez’s search for a proper number one continues and West Ham could help the Spanish gaffer in this process. According to reports, the Hammers are ready to offer Darren Randolph to the Magpies.
Once the Hart deal goes through, Randolph’s role in the side is expected to be severely diminished as Hart is likely to be the first choice of Bilic after his arrival. On the other hand, Rob Elliot is most likely to be the preferred choice in between the sticks should Benitez fail to land a keeper.
Speculation has intensified over Karl Darlow’s position at the St James Park as the player has been closely monitored by Middlesbrough. Newcastle are ready to part ways with the keeper but want Boro to increase their previous offer of £5m.
Tim Krul also is on the verge of ouster from the club as Benitez is unlikely to continue with him. The Spaniard wants a proven keeper for the upcoming season and given Randolph’s experience in the top tier, he could hand a chance to the player to revive his career.
Benitez had wanted a reunion with Pepe Reina and talks had taken place between the two over a potential transfer. But the deal has since failed to take off with contract talks between the Spaniard and the Serie A team going on.
Hart will be signed on a temporary deal and if he shows signs of improvement, West Ham will have the option to make it permanent. They will also have to bear half of his wage which is in the tune of £100,000 a week.
The English international’s last season with Torino was full of errors and he knows this would be the last chance to book a ticket for the World Cup in the next year as the No.1.
It remains to be seen whether Benitez prefers to accept the Hammers proposal or he goes further into the transfer market to search for an alternative target.
