Report: Chelsea preparing surprise £8million bid for Newcastle United star

Chelsea are reportedly lining up a summer bid for Newcastle United first choice Karl Darlow according to Club Call.

He is being viewed as a replacement for the unsettled AsmirBegovic who wishes to move away from Stamford Bridge.

The Blues did not sell Begovic after they failed to find a replacement for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international with their bid for Craig Gordon having been rejected.

Antonio Conte is reported to be willing to bid £8 million for the player who has made 20 appearances of the Magpies this season. The 26-year-old has been displaying fine form for Newcastle this season.

Newcastle have a variety of top class keepers in their ranks with the likes of Tim Krul, Rob Elliott and Mats Sels all within their ranks. Should Darlow wish to move away, Newcastle may be tempted by the transfer value that they receive and sell.