Newcastle United are in talks with Karl Darlow for his contract extension as he has just two years left on his current one. Darlow is fighting for his place currently as Martin Dubravka has put in some great performances lately for the Magpies.
Newcastle United are enjoying a good season under Rafael Benitez as they are sitting in the top half of the table currently. Benitez has improved this team defensively as they have been tough to break down and the goalkeepers have played a huge role in it. The Spaniard has worked wonders with the team because if one looks at their current squad, there is no particular player who stands out and with limited financial resources, he has made the team reach the level of safety quite comfortably.
However, the first choice spot is pretty much up for grabs as Benitez has used all the three goalkeeper Rob Elliott, Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka at some point in the season. At present, it seems that Dubravka is nailed on as the first choice starter but he might be recalled to his parent club Sparta Prague. If Newcastle manages to get him on a permanent basis, Karl Darlow might have to settle for a spot on the bench. However, according to reports, Darlow will only extend his contract if there is an assurance of first-team football.
Benitez will have to solve this goalkeeping dilemma as a goalkeeper is an important player in any team and the manager would want his custodians to be settled at the club. If the keeper is uncertain about his future, that might show in his performances.
Darlow started his career at Nottingham Forest and was also on loan there for the 2014-15 season. He has been trying to break in the Magpies side but hasn’t been regular for them. He has managed just 12 appearances this season in all competitions and has played just 50 times in the Premier League in his 4-year stint with the Magpies.
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Ideally, Benitez will like to have Dubravka signed on a permanent basis as he has been immensely impressive in the last few games. Darlow could be the good second choice option and can challenge the Slovakian for the first team spot. However, the fact that he has indicated he will only sign a new contract if he has a chance of playing in the first team, it looks highly unlikely he will extend his contract further.
