Newcastle United ‘closing in’ on temporary transfer - deal could be completed this week

Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is reportedly closing in on a loan move to Championship side Hull City.

The 32-year-old will be allowed to leave the Magpies this month as Eddie Howe looks to trim the club’s goalkeeping department.

With Nick Pope as No.1, Martin Dubravka’s returning from his loan spell at Manchester United and Loris Karius signing a new contract, the door has been opened for Darlow to depart.

And according to Hull Live, the Tigers are nearing an agreement to sign the former Nottingham Forest man on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

It is hoped Darlow will finalise his move to MKM Stadium early this week ahead of Saturday’s clash against Queens Park Rangers. Hull have been searching for a goalkeeper after Nathan Baxter returned to Chelsea following elbow surgery.

Howe, speaking recently on the goalkeeper situation, said: “I don’t think they have to leave but we’ll have to wait and see what happens with that situation, It’s probably a lot of goalkeepers to have.

“I think the key thing is, whatever position, you want every member of the squad to feel valued and potentially play a part in what you’re doing.

“If that isn’t the case for someone within that department, we’ll look at it and try and help them.”

Howe explained on Friday why Darlow’s departure might not be sanctioned until after Newcastle’s first-legged semi-final clash against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

“I think we have a slightly unique situation with the Carabao Cup because Martin’s cup tied so we want to make sure we have enough strength and competition, while also giving players that we don’t feel may play an opportunity to go play maybe elsewhere,” he said.

“There will probably be some late movement there, but we’ll wait and see.”