Middlesbrough are believed to be interested in a transfer move for Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to a report from The Shields Gazette.

Currently the fourth-choice goalkeeper at St. James’ Park, behind the likes of Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius, Darlow is far too talented to be perpetually waiting in the wings.

Additionally, aged 32, Darlow is not getting any younger. He is unlikely to want to spend the remainder of his career playing a backup role, especially when his talents are taken into account.

Who else, besides Middlesbrough, is interested in a move for Karl Darlow?

Darlow impressed while on loan at Hull City – as a result, the Tigers are thought to be working on making the move a permanent one, according to manager Liam Rosenior.

On Darlow, he said: “Karl, at the moment, is in the driving seat and he’s someone who I’m looking forward to, hopefully, working with in the long-term if we can get that sorted out.”

Huddersfield Town were also linked with the 32-year-old back in January, but their interest in the player appears to have gone cold since then.

Would Karl Darlow be a good signing for Boro?

A veteran ‘keeper, Darlow would be a brilliant signing for Middlesbrough. Perpetually underrated, he would be a solid addition to any squad outside of the Premier League – and some of them who are in it.

As a goalkeeper, his greatest strengths are in his shot-stopping ability and natural reflexes. Over the course of his career, he has pulled off some truly wonderful saves.

He isn’t a perfect goalkeeper, however. He sometimes struggles to maintain command over his area – he is also prone to misjudging his sweeping runs.

Nevertheless, should he join Boro, he would be one of the Championship’s leading goalkeepers – just as he was last season with Hull.