Newcastle should consider Sam Johnstone to replace Darlow

Eddie Howe isn’t short of goalkeepers with Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie at his disposal, but Newcastle United have been linked with a number of shot-stoppers and Luke Edwards of the Telegraph says Howe might accept offers for Darlow this summer.

The 31-year-old has made eight Premier League appearances this season, only featuring when Dubravka was unavailable, so he’s spent the majority of the campaign as an unused substitute. But despite him having three years left on his contract at St James’ Park, it appears Newcastle want an upgrade.

And while the Toon Army have lucrative funds for new recruits following their takeover by Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, they aren’t willing to pay over-the-odds for transfer targets – see their Jesse Lingard decision – so West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone might be the ideal option as a result.

The 29-year-old has made 167 appearances in all competitions since joining the Baggies on a four-year deal from Manchester United in 2018, conceding 216 goals with 45 clean sheets. Johnstone has made 36 Championship appearances this season, conceding 33 goals with 15 clean sheets, so he’s mostly impressed in the second tier.

Johnstone is out of contract this summer and is expected to leave on a free transfer, so Newcastle could land themselves a bargain. The 29-year-old has played in the Premier League and impressed last season despite West Brom’s relegation, so he’ll be able to make the step up.

And the fact Johnstone is a homegrown player, having spent his career in England, that would help Newcastle when naming their Premier League squad for next season.

In other news, Newcastle could make more than £4m if Ciaran Clark is sold