Newcastle United set to announce January deal for ex-Liverpool man after contract U-turn

Loris Karius is set to extend his contract at Newcastle United until the end of the Premier League campaign.

The former Liverpool goalkeeper was signed as short-term cover to Karl Darlow when he injured his ankle during training in September.

Karius’ deal expires at the end of the month but sources in Germany claim the 29-year-old has agreed to new and improved terms until the end of the 2022-23 season.

As per the Daily Mail, the two parties were a little distant during negotiations initially but an agreement is reportedly close to being finalised.

The German’s future at St James’ Park was put into doubt after Martin Dubravka asked to be recalled from his loan spell at Manchester United on January 1.

Karius is yet to make a competitive appearance for Newcastle. His only outing in black and white was the 5-0 friendly win over Saudi Pro League champions Al-Hilal where he played the opening 45 minutes.

He hasn’t been named in the matchday squad since with Dubravka and Karl Darlow chosen as back-up to No.1 Nick Pope.

Darlow, who is attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs, has, according to the Daily Mail, been told he can leave towards the end of the month with Karius set to stay as third choice.

In total, Newcastle have five senior goalkeepers, including Mark Gillespie, who was not named in the club’s 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the campaign.

Howe, speaking last week, admitted it was a position that could be trimmed.

“I don’t think they have to leave but we’ll have to wait and see what happens with that situation,” Howe said om the goalkeeping department. “ 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.”