Three Championship clubs eye Newcastle star, player considering move – report
By Will Butcher
Rob Elliot is the subject of interest from three Championship clubs as he weighs up a loan move away from Newcastle, according to a report.
The Daily Mail claim the Ireland international will request a loan move away from St. James’ Park if he is to remain the Toon’s third-choice goalkeeper, as he looks to prove his fitness.
It is believed that Rotherham, Wigan and Cardiff are all interested in the 30-year-old, who has failed to make a first-team appearance since picking up a long-term knee injury in March.
The former Charlton stopper picked up the problem during a friendly for his country against Slovakia, which prevented him from representing Ireland at Euro 2016.
Number one Karl Darlow is currently at the top of the goalkeeping pecking order under manager Rafa Benitez, with Matz Sels second choice.
Youngster Freddie Woodman is currently on loan with Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, while Tim Krul’s injury nightmare continues at Dutch giants Ajax.
Since his move to the Toon from League One outfit Charlton back in the summer of 2011, Elliot has stuttered to just 49 league and cup appearances.
Despite making the substitutes’ bench as an unused substitute against Birmingham in the FA Cup in January, Elliot is now expected to be moved on for the good of his career.
Football Insider verdict:
With first-team opportunities unlikely to be available to Elliot at Newcastle for the remainder of the season, a loan move to a Championship rival is exactly what is required as he looks to prove to Benitez or any other potential suitors that he has not lost any of his quality during his spell on the sidelines. A first-team regular in the Premier League, Elliot has the ability to oust Darlow and Sels and going away on loan could save his Toon career if he impresses for either one of the three interested clubs. Benitez should keep notes on his number 21 if he does move on loan, as he could prove to be a crucial member of Newcastle’s 2017-18 campaign whether that is in the Premier League or in the Championship.
In other Newcastle transfer news, Tony Cascarino believes this transfer target has had one of the strangest footballing careers.
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