Daniel Farke offers 'between the lines' hint on Karl Darlow future | OneFootball

Daniel Farke has effectively signalled how he feels about Karl Darlow’s future, while insisting contract talks wait until Leeds United’s season is settled. The 35-year-old is starting Premier League games with his deal due to expire this summer.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds paid around £14m to sign Lucas Perri from Lyon last summer and Farke initially installed him as first choice. As the campaign closes, Darlow has the league gloves and Perri, impressive in the FA Cup, is now back-up.

Illan Meslier has fallen to third in the pecking order and, with his contract also up this summer, a departure is regarded as certain. Farke would plainly like Darlow to stay.

Farke said he will only address futures once objectives are confirmed, yet pointed to his selection as evidence of faith. He noted Darlow handled last season’s crunch and is again preferred, ahead of the highly rated Perri. The manager added he rates Darlow extremely highly on and off the pitch and there is strong mutual trust, inviting observers to read between the lines while deferring firm discussion.

Wales number one Darlow has strengthened his bargaining hand with recent top-flight displays and will have interest and offers from elsewhere this summer. Whether Leeds keep him as number one if they stay up and seek to consolidate next season remains to be seen, though Farke wants to continue working with him.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk