According to The Sun, Aston Villa could agree a deal with Newcastle for Karl Darlow, with manager Dean Smith reportedly ‘not convinced’ by Orjan Nyland. The Magpies goalkeeper has become an outcast due to the form of Martin Dubravka and could be open to a move away from St James’ Park in pursuit of more playing time. Leeds United have also been linked with his signature.
Darlow has spent the season as an unused substitute but has been left out of the matchday squad in recent weeks for Freddie Woodman. His future at Newcastle looks in doubt as a result, but it’s unknown if Rafael Benitez will sanction a loan move for the shot-stopper in January. Villa would be keen to bring Darlow to the Midlands as a replacement for Orjan Nyland who has struggled for consistency since joining over the summer from FC Ingolstadt.
The 28-year-old has made 19 Championship appearances for Villa this season, conceding 28 goals and keeping only five clean sheets. Nyland is ahead of the likes of Mark Bunn and Andre Moreira in the pecking order, but Smith appears to be lining up a new first-choice goalkeeper for January to aid the club in their promotion bid.
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