Karl Darlow has already made it clear he’s not prepared to play second fiddle at Leeds United

The Newcastle United goalkeeper has his medical booked in at Elland Road

Incoming Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow has already warned his new employers he isn’t prepared to play second fiddle to Illan Meslier at Elland Road. The 32-year-old is closing in on a move to the Whites with Daniel Farke’s side strengthening their goalkeeping department.

Darlow, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Hull City, enjoyed a stellar loan spell with Liam Rosenior’s side and they had hoped to make the deal a permanent one. However, the Tigers boss said they had been priced out of a move and Middlesbrough and Bournemouth would also drop out of the race.

That allowed Leeds to swoop in and get their man with further doubts over Meslier’s future at the club. The Frenchman has been linked with a number of Premier League sides following the Whites’ relegation from the top flight, but speculation has fallen quiet in recent weeks.

Darlow’s move to Hull City only emphasised his desire to play and be number one with his comments during that loan spell sending warning signs to Meslier.

“It’s not a discussion for me to put to anyone. I think that will be dealt with behind the scenes in the summer, and what Newcastle thinks,” Darlow told Hull Live when asked about his future at Newcastle last season.

When asked about the reasons behind the move, Darlow said: “I’ve enjoyed it, working with the manager and Barry Richardson – who I’ve worked with before. In my first game, Matty saves a penalty and keeps a clean sheet.

“You always have to be patient and it’s one of those things, so when you get your opportunity you have to go in and have belief in yourself and be confident. Twelve games to go, I just need to carry on playing and enjoy my time here, hopefully we can pick up some points and push right up there league.

“I want to play football, that’s it. From my perspective, I could have let it go another six months, another 12 months and before you know it, you’re three years into not playing.

“For me, I’m ambitious. I’m young – for a goalkeeper, I’m 32, I’ve got years ahead of me and I want to prolong my career by playing football, making sure I’m still in people’s minds and that they have not forgotten about me.”