Newcastle poised for Championship transfer raid to replace back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow who is eyed by Middlesbrough
NEWCASTLE look ready to make a surprise bid for West Brom keeper Josh Griffiths.
Magpies supremo Dan Ashworth became a fan of the England Under-21 shot-stopper during his time on the Baggies’ staff.
And, as Albion plan to sell a few players in this window, Newcastle are in for the 21-year-old who has had loan stints with Portsmouth, Lincoln and Cheltenham.
Griffiths could compete for a game with the Geordies or get loaned out.
Toon expect back-up Karl Darlow to move for game time as they juggle their personnel.
Hull had him on loan but are now looking elsewhere, leaving Middlesbrough as favourites.
Newcastle are looking to tackle the summer transfer window hard ahead of their return to the Champions League.
The Magpies are looking to strengthen at left-back and that is why they are keeping tabs on Chelsea ace Marc Cucurella.
In addition to Cucurella, the Toon have also been linked with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney.
Eddie Howe’s side finished fourth this season with Dan Burn primarily playing at left-back.
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After leading Newcastle back into Europe, Howe stressed the importance of recruiting quality rather than quantity.
Howe said: “I hoped to do some things [this summer] and I don’t think [finishing in the top four] changes the numbers.
“We’ll have to produce a squad for the Champions League, so top-four won’t change the amount of signings.
“As I’ve said, it won’t be a lot of numbers and a lot of big moves in. Hopefully it’ll be the right two or three players to make us better.”
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