Blackburn Rovers consider move for Newcastle United star as Chelsea land Magpies target

Blackburn Rovers have reportedly joined the race to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

The long-serving stopper spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship club Hull City and the Tigers remain keen on converting that move into a permanent switch this summer. Talks have been held between the two clubs - although Hull vice-chairman Tan Kesler has revealed Darlow will need to be realistic in his demands is an agreement is to be found.

Speaking to Hull Live last week, he said: “I’ve been speaking with Newcastle, and Karl as well. Karl’s intention is to come and stay with us, but it’s not a secret that Middlesbrough and other clubs are interested in signing him. That’s due to his personality, his achievements in the past, and, because of that, Newcastle have given him a very good contract, which is something above Championship’s affordability.”

Middlesbrough are also said to hold an interest in offering Darlow a route out of St James Park and The Sun journalist Alan Nixon has now claimed Blackburn are set to enter the race for the experienced stopper as their number one Thomas Kaminski continues to draw interest from Anderlecht and Premier League newcomers Luton Town.

Chelsea complete signing of Magpies target

Former Newcastle United trialist Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards has officially joined Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The Jamaican striker spent two weeks on loan with the Magpies in February and was widely expected to be handed a further chance to impress after training with United’s academy sides. However, Richards will move to Chelsea in October after he celebrates his 18th birthday after the West London outfit submitted a late bid to secure the forward’s signature.

Richards made his senior international debut for Jamaica in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in March in what has been the first of three caps over the last three months.