Leeds United moved a big step closer to Premier League safety with their 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Another victory against Wolves at Elland Road this weekend could all but confirm their survival and allow the club to start focusing on their summer transfer plans.
Leeds have already been putting together a shortlist of targets as they look to strengthen key areas and take the squad up a level.
The Whites are almost certain to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer. However, former Leeds winger Lee Sharpe is expecting a major departure that could shock several fans.
Karl Darlow tipped to leave Leeds in the summer
The Welsh goalkeeper has replaced Lucas Perri as the first-choice between the sticks at Leeds, following the Brazilian’s inconsistent performances earlier in the season.
Karl Darlow has been steadier than Perri and has provided far more confidence to the rest of the defence with his presence, despite a few errors.
He was fantastic against Manchester United on Monday night and made a couple of great saves to ensure Leeds left with all three points from Old Trafford.
However, Leeds are yet to offer an extension to his contract that expires at the end of the season, and Sharpe feels that is a major red flag.
He has insisted that if Leeds were planning to hold on to the goalkeeper, they would have sorted out a new contract long before the end of the season.
“I think he’s a very competent ‘keeper”, Sharpe told The Yorkshire Post.
“I think he looked steady [in the 2-1 win over Manchester United].
“I think if they were going to keep any of the ‘keepers there already, I think contract talks would have been done and dusted by now.
“I don’t think you let people run this close to the end of the contract without knowing what you’re doing with them.”
Leeds must hold on to him
As it stands, Darlow is set to be out of contract at the end of the season and could leave Leeds on a free in the summer.
That said, there’s little reason for the club not to offer him a new deal and keep him at Elland Road beyond this campaign.
Leeds are expected to look for a new goalkeeper, and Perri’s future is likely to be assessed once the season ends.
Still, Darlow has done enough to earn an extension and stay on. Given the uncertainty in that position, letting him go would be a risk.
Even if a new keeper arrives, the former Newcastle man is more likely to accept a backup role again than Perri, who feels he should be the first choice.
