Leeds and Bournemouth to go head-to-head for Karl Darlow

Sky Sports' Keith Downie has today confirmed that Bournemouth have joined Leeds in the race to sign Newcastle United's unwanted goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Middlesbrough are apparently no longer in the running for the 32-year-old, with his wages being too rich for the Championship outfit.

Boro's interest in Darlow is longstanding, but their failure to gain promotion via the Championship playoffs last season appears to have put an end to their hopes of signing him. Instead, it is now expected that Darlow will end up at either Dean Court or Elland Road ahead of the 2023/24 season.

An official bid is yet to be lodged by either party, but Downie says one is expected soon. Newcastle are reportedly asking for around £5 million for the Northampton-born shot-stopper, who has made 100 competitive appearances for the club and still has two years left on his contract.

Darlow joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest in a double deal with club captain Jamaal Lascelles back in August 2014. The pair cost a combined fee in the region of £7 million and have been excellent servants.

We'll have more on this one as it develops.