Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is ‘more likely’ to sign a new contract despite interest from Manchester United, according to The Daily Mail.
The Red Devils are eyeing a new backup goalkeeper behind Senne Lammens, with Altay Bayindir poised to head for the exit door this summer. He could be on his way to Besiktas.
Radek Vítek had a productive season-long loan spell at Bristol City last term, but the 22-year-old has his sights on regular playing time and could move on permanently this summer.
The club recently renewed Tom Heaton’s contract for another 12 months, but the veteran shot-stopper is only considered as the third-choice option under manager Michael Carrick.
Hence, United have explored a free transfer for Darlow, whose contract expires on June 30, but he is set to snub them. He is ‘more likely’ to sign a fresh two-year deal with Leeds.
The Red Devils are looking at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Sam Johnstone as an alternative.
Darlow’s Leeds decision is not a surprise
The 35-year-old has been a deputy goalkeeper for large portions of his career since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2015. He started similarly at Leeds last campaign, but his fortunes drastically changed during the second half of the season.
The Wales international capitalised on Lucas Perri’s inconsistent form between the sticks. He made 22 Premier League appearances and started 17 consecutive games during the back end of the campaign under manager Daniel Farke.
Hence, his desire to prolong his stay does not surprise us. United need to move on and could pursue a deal for Johnstone, who lost his starting spot at Wolves last term.
Unlike Darlow, Johnstone would be considered homegrown by UEFA, having spent more than two years training at the club. He graduated through the academy ranks.
This would no doubt prove beneficial in picking the 25-man squad for the Champions League next term. Rising centre-back Ayden Heaven is currently not homegrown and would need to be named in the ‘List-A’ squad.
Bringing in a foreign or non-homegrown (NHG) goalkeeper could force United to leave out someone like Heaven, given that they are permitted to register just 17 players in that category (NHG) for the league phase.
Stats from Transfermarkt