North East rivals consider move for Newcastle United star following Hull City admission

Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow could make a permanent exit from St James Park this summer - and the former Nottingham Forest stopper reportedly has two Championship clubs keen to secure his services.

Just under nine years have passed since Darlow moved to Tyneside in a joint deal with current Magpies club captain Jamaal Lascelles and he has gone on to make a century of appearances for United. However, spells as first-choice number one have been few and far-between as the 32-year-old has played backup to the likes of Martin Dubravka and Nick Pope during his time at St James Park.

A loan move to Hull City was secured in the final hours of the January transfer window and Darlow enjoyed a positive spell with the Championship side. His form led to interest in a permanent move to the MKM Stadium as Tigers manager Liam Rosenior praised the Magpies stopper for his form during his temporary stint with his club.

Speaking after handing Darlow’s fellow keeper Matty Ingram a chance to start in a game against Luton, Rosenior confirmed his interest in a permanent deal for the Magpies star, telling the Hull Daily Mail: “Karl Darlow is a target [for the summer transfer window]. I had a great conversation with Karl. Karl is loving it here and he understands why I gave Matty Ingram his chance (at Luton).

“I try to reward the players who deserve it and Matty has given the club great service this season. He has had a frustrating time of it but he deserved to play the game. Karl Darlow knows what I think of him. I want him here in the long-term and hopefully we can get something done.”

Talks are believed to have been held between Newcastle and Hull over a permanent move - but journalist Alan Nixon has revealed Middlesbrough are keen on a move for Darlow as they look for a new goalkeeper after Zak Stefan returned to Manchester City following a season-long loan at the Riverside Stadium.