Newcastle United transfer put on hold by Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe has ruled out Karl Darlow leaving Newcastle United before the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final double-header with Southampton.

Darlow is allowed to leave St James’ Park this month and is understood be closing in on a loan move to Championship side Hull City.

However, with Martin Dubravka cup-tied, Howe is conscious an injury in the goalkeeping department would leave United light on quality ahead of the second leg against Southampton next week.

The Magpies’ head coach is set to wait until after the tie at St Mary’s tomorrow before sanctioning Darlow’s potential exit.

Indeed, Howe will have to decide whether to name Darlow or Loris Karius, who signed a contract extension last week, on the bench as cover for Nick Pope.

Howe said: “There will be nobody going out before tomorrow. We assess the squad on a daily basis, depending on what’s happening.

“There’s a lot of noise and different things going on but we certainly want to keep the squad intact.”

According to Hull Live, the Tigers are nearing an agreement to sign the former Nottingham Forest man on a temporary basis and hope to finalise the transfer early this week.

However, based on Howe’s response, Liam Rosenior’s side may have to wait a little while longer in their search to replace the injured Nathan Baxter, who has returned to Chelsea following elbow surgery.