Is Newcastle United keeper our answer?

There were strong rumours – whether fuelled by fact or desire – floating around Swansea yesterday that Newcastle United keeper Karl Darlow could be the man to plug the gap that has been left by the absence of Steven Benda.

Benda was ruled out for a period of time yesterday after sustaining a knee injury in last week’s draw at QPR and it is believed that this will prompt the Swans into transfer action as they look to bring in another keeper to compete with Andy Fisher for the spot in between the sticks.

The exact period of Benda’s absence has not been confirmed but when the term is “lengthy absence” and it’s almost the end of January there is a natural assumption that this could be a season ender for the man who has held the jersey since the opening weeks of the season.

Russell Martin does have Andy Fisher at his disposal but is believed to want to strengthen his squad in this departure with several keepers reportedly being lined up as potential targets within the next week.

This is not the first time that the name of Karl Darlow has been linked with a move to the Swans and there does seem to be a natural fit given that it is widely speculated that Newcastle are prepared to let him leave the club this window on a loan deal.

Loris Karius extended his stay until the end of the season which means that behind first choice Nick Pope, the Magpies have got Karius and Martin Dubravka as options leaving the door open for Darlow to leave.

Huddersfield enquired earlier in the month regards his availability but the biggest obstacle that the Swans would face if they decide that Darlow is their man is a broad agreement that he will sign for Hull City.

The Tigers are believed to have reached a verbal agreement with Newcastle that he will sign on loan there for the remainder of the season but that does not mean that the deal could not be hijacked should Russell Martin decide that he wants to move for the player.

Darlow has significant Championshi experience with both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest and would certainly be a strong contender to replace Benda leaving Fisher on the bench again.   That may place doubts over the former MK Dons man’s long term future at Swansea if that were the case but early days on that front.

The flip side is it is suggested that Darlow would prefer to remain in the North East which makes the move to Hull make more sense although he may find himself more of a back up there so he has to balance location and a desire to play football which at the age of 32 may tempt him more to the latter?

It’s an interesting one to watch and one that will play out relatively quickly given the short time until the window closes.  Worth noting and adding that Darlow was on the bench last night for Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup semi final 1st leg.

Watch this space as they say!