It is understood that Leeds United are not willing to meet Newcastle United’s £4m asking price for the service of Karl Darlow, with the Sky Bet Championship outfit potentially ending their pursuit of the goalkeeper.  

According to the Mirror, Newcastle remain focused on landing £4m should Darlow depart, but Leeds aren’t willing to meet that valuation of the 28-year-old, with the Whites hoping to secure his service on loan.

However, Newcastle and Rafa Benitez want a fee for the goalkeeper’s service, as they look to bolster their own transfer kitty during an important January transfer window.

The Mirror confirm that stance has reportedly led Leeds to consider other options, as they look for back-up to young goalkeeper, Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

The 22-year-old is the only senior goalkeeping option available to Marcelo Bielsa at this stage, with Will Huffer having to provide back-up for the Northern Irish international.

Bielsa lost Jamal Blackman to a season-ending leg-break back in November, with the goalkeeper forced to return to Chelsea and cut short his loan spell at Elland Road.

So far this season, Peacock-Farrell has made 26 appearances for Leeds, with 25 of those coming in the Championship.

The Verdict

£4m for a goalkeeper that’s third choice in the Premier League is outrageous and Leeds are more than right to swerve parting with that kind of cash.

The transfer window is only eight days old, so things can change quickly and Leeds do have time to identify other targets.

Bielsa will be comfortable with the fact that Peacock-Farrell is continuing to progress.

Thoughts? Let us know!