Newcastle United could look to use former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Karl Darlow as part of a swap deal to sign Dean Henderson from Manchester United, according to reports.
Eddie Howe is said to be eager to shore up a leaky defence at St James' Park by adding a new goalkeeper this summer. The Magpies conceded 62 goals as they finished 11th in the Premier League this term; only Everton (66), Southampton (67), Watford (77), Leeds (79) and Norwich City (84) conceded more.
Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on Manchester United's Henderson as the man who could help fix their problem in a move which would see shot-stopper Martin Dubravka replaced as the number one.
READ MORE: Man Utd man sends James Garner brilliant message ahead of Nottingham Forest play-off final
READ MORE: The City Ground feeling Nottingham Forest will aim to 'embrace' at Wembley
According to The Sun, Darlow could be used as a pawn to complete a permanent transfer for Henderson. The Red Devils shot-stopper is claimed to only be keen on a season-long loan, but the Magpies hope offering Darlow may push the deal "over the line" due to Erik ten Hag needing another goalkeeper at Old Trafford.
Darlow - a product of the Reds' academy set-up - left Forest for Newcastle United alongside his teammate Jamaal Lascelles in a deal worth around £7 million back in 2014. Their departure was blasted by then-Forest boss Stuart Pearce as having been at a "bargain" price.
Discussing the transfers eight years ago, he said: "I was asked whether I thought the deal was a good one and said definitely not. The first I heard they were sold was this morning. It was not my decision. It’s a financial one. I will make it my business to sit with the business people and find out exactly why.
"It’s not a great business decision. We sell two of our better lads at a cut price. The bottom line is players were sold without my sanction. I am disappointed with that. One thing human beings don’t like is the not knowing the truth behind decisions.
"My reputation goes before me, you will always get honesty. I will get on with it and won’t walk away. But I think it is a poor deal. I felt the players would be worth more. But maybe they needed ready money."
