Newcastle United weigh up move for Championship star admired by Dan Ashworth

Newcastle United are reportedly considering a surprise move for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.

Nick Pope and fourth-choice Mark Gillespie are the only ‘keepers guaranteed to remain at St James’ Park next season with the futures of Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Loris Karius currently uncertain.

Dubravka spent the first half of last season on loan at Manchester United and made just three appearances when he returned to Tyneside in January.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen after the summer, obviously,” said the Slovakian after the final game of the season at Chelsea. “I had a conversation with Eddie [Howe]. We had an open conversation about the future.

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“It’s hard to say now, because it’s the end of the season now, and no one really knows what will happen. It’s hard to give you some answers. Now, I just want to switch off. I have two international game to focus on and that’s my priority now.”

After Dubravka was recalled, the Magpies approved Darlow’s request to leave on loan. He joined Hull City and performed so well that the Championship club want to sign him permanently. Middlesbrough are also showing interest.

Karius, meanwhile, has been offered a new contract by Newcastle, although the club is yet to confirm if the German has accepted their offer. If not then the former Liverpool man will become a free agent on July 1.

With their goalkeeping department set to be disrupted, United are planning ahead and according to Alan Nixon, West Brom’s Griffiths is of interest.

The 6ft 1in England under-21s international had a successful loan spell at Portsmouth during the first half of the 2022-23 campaign before being recalled by the Baggies. He went on to make 10 Championship starts.

It’s claimed Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth became a fan of the 21-year-old during his time as West Brom’s technical director.