NEWCASTLE UNITED’S determination to hold out for a significant transfer fee was the reason why Karl Darlow’s proposed moves to Hull City and Middlesbrough both collapsed this summer.

Darlow has been the subject of strong interest in the last couple of months, but the 32-year-old remains on Newcastle’s books and was drafted into Eddie Howe’s starting side for the first half of Saturday’s pre-season victory at Gateshead.

With Nick Pope expected to return from injury before the start of the season, Martin Dubravka still part of the Newcastle squad and Loris Karius having signed a new one-year deal earlier this month, there is still a good chance that Darlow could move on before the transfer window closes.

Bournemouth and Leeds United remain interested in the 32-year-old, who has two more years of his current contract at St James’ Park to run, but while Darlow might find himself down the pecking order on Tyneside, Magpies officials are adamant they will not be allowing him to leave on the cheap.

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Hull and Middlesbrough both held extensive talks earlier this summer, but walked away from a deal when Newcastle’s negotiating team refused to reduce their financial demands. Middlesbrough signed Seny Dieng from QPR instead, and also brought in Australian youngster Tom Glover, while Hull are currently exploring alternative goalkeeping options.

“I don’t think Karl is someone that will be joining us,” confirmed Hull boss Liam Rosenior. “Karl is someone I loved working with, he’s an outstanding goalkeeper, but the price that Newcastle are speaking about is something we can’t do this summer.

“I’m disappointed, but that’s football. My job is to give this football club the best squad possible. Can we be successful without Karl Darlow? One hundred per cent, so we move on.”