MIDDLESBROUGH have installed Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow at the top of their shortlist of goalkeeping targets as they look to overhaul their squad this summer.

Chris Wilder is planning to make significant changes ahead of the new Championship season, with the goalkeeping position one of his key priority areas.

Boro are willing to listen to offers for Joe Lumley, who lost his place in the starting side in April after committing a series of errors, and Luke Daniels, who finished the season as the Teessiders’ number one, with Wilder wanting to start with a clean slate next season.

Sol Brynn is regarded as a bright long-term prospect, while Zac Hemming will return to the squad after a successful loan spell at Kilmarnock, but Wilder wants to sign an experienced shot-stopper once the transfer window reopens, with Darlow currently his leading target.

The 31-year-old has made just eight senior appearances for the Magpies this season, and while he is contracted until the summer of 2025, he is understood to be keen to leave St James’ Park this summer in pursuit of more regular first-team football.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe will not be pushing to keep him, with Freddie Woodman returning from a loan spell at Bournemouth to compete with established number one Martin Dubravka, and Boro should be able to reach an agreement over a transfer fee.

Matching Darlow’s current Newcastle wages could be more of an issue, but it is hoped a deal can be thrashed out ahead of the formal reopening of the transfer window later this summer.

Boro’s recruitment team have also been running the rule over Daniel Iversen, who has spent the current campaign at Preston on loan from Leicester City.

Preston are keen to sign Iversen on a permanent basis this summer, but Boro have asked Leicester officials to make them aware of any developments.