Watford are eyeing a move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the Sunday Mirror's print edition (via Chronicle Live).

The Hornets are poised to regain their Premier League status for the 2021/22 season. With four games remaining, they are sat in the automatic promotion places, six points clear of third.

With Ben Foster now 38, his stint between the sticks could soon be coming to an end, and the Sunday Mirror's report stated that Watford are willing to pay around £6m for 30-year-old Darlow, who earns £25,000 per week at St James' Park.

Newcastle have perfect alternative to Darlow

Newcastle may well entertain the approach given that they have Freddie Woodman, a ready-made deputy for Martin Dubravka, returning from his loan at Swansea City in the summer.

Woodman has kept an outstanding 20 clean sheets for the Swans, who could yet be promoted themselves as they are all but assured of a play-off place in the Championship.

Darlow dropped by Bruce after period as no. 1

With Dubravka injured, Darlow was Newcastle's number one this season up until the 3-1 defeat at Manchester United, when he was twice beaten at his near post.

Dubravka was recalled by Steve Bruce for the visit of Wolves the following week in a move which may well have cost Darlow his first England call-up, as Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate said: "He’s probably found himself out of the team at just the wrong time in many regards, really,"

The 30-year-old Newcastle 'keeper was said to be 'very upset' after missing out on the England squad for the March internationals just weeks after Bruce culled him from the Magpies' starting XI.

Transfer Tavern verdict

This is a deal which would make sense for all parties. Watford would get a solid Premier League goalkeeper, while Newcastle can promote Woodman and Darlow can enjoy first-team football at Vicarage Road.

The £6m fee is also not to be sniffed at, given that Transfermarkt value the former Nottingham Forest goalie at just £2.7m.

In other news, Newcastle's stance on the European Super League has been revealed.