Kevin Phillips suggests West Brom should sign Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow
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Kevin Phillips has suggested Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow could be someone who West Brom look at to replace Sam Johnstone in the summer.
Johnstone, 28, has been in impressive form for the Albion in the Premier League this season but his contract at The Hawthorns expires next year and Tottenham are reportedly in the hunt to sign him [The Sun].
West Brom do have David Button and Alex Palmer on their books going into next season but Phillips wants to see Albion sign a more experienced goalkeeper who has knowledge of the Championship to replace Johnstone if he moves on.
“You might want to look at someone with a bit more experience, in my opinion,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“You want someone in between the sticks who takes responsibility, who’s got experience of that league and dealing with the rigours of the Championship.
“We’ve spoken very highly of Sam this season and to try and replace him with someone of his quality will be very difficult.
“But there might be someone with experience out there who’s been sat on the bench for most of this season they could rely on.
“It’s a vital position if you want to come straight back up.
“Karl Darlow wouldn’t be a bad shout.”
Darlow, 30, is someone with a wealth of Championship experience having made 140 appearances in the second-tier with both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.
Steve Bruce has named Darlow to start most of Newcastle’s Premier League matches this season but dropped the ex-Walsall loanee in February and he’s since been sat on the bench for the last four Premier League games.
According to the Newcastle Chronicle, Darlow “is not short of admirers” with clubs in the Premier League and from abroad showing interest in him. It is understood he’s “deeply frustrated” with being dropped from the Magpies starting line-up.
If Darlow is wanted by top-flight clubs then it will be hard for West Brom to sign him in the summer, especially as he’s performed well in the Premier League this season.
While no goalkeeper has made more saves per 90 minutes in the league this term than Johnstone [4.11], Darlow is not far behind in fourth with 3.68.
He’s also prevented 4.58 goals this term, which is the sixth-best in the Premier League.
In other West Brom news, Phillips has urged the Albion to sign this left-back who might be available on a free transfer in the summer.
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