Manchester United are ready to dive into the transfer market to sign a new goalkeeper, with academy graduate Radek Vitek attracting interest from newly-promoted Hull City
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 03: Radek Vitek of Bristol City reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Charlton Athletic and Bristol City at The Valley on April 03, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
Manchester United are open to selling Radek Vitek(Image: Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
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Manchester United have shortlisted Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow and Wolves' Sam Johnstone in the search for a new No.2. The Red Devils want to sign an experienced shot-stopper to support Senne Lammens, with Andre Onana seemingly having no future at Old Trafford and Altay Bayindir available for transfer.
Academy graduate Radek Vitek is due to return to United for pre-season training after impressing on loan at Bristol City, but the Czech has made it clear that he doesn't want to play second fiddle. Vitek, 22, is reportedly being eyed by newly-promoted Hull City, and with two years left on his contract, United accept that a permanent departure could be best for all parties.
The Mail add that United would only be willing to send Vitek out on loan again if he commits to a new deal. His exit, which the Red Devils would prefer to avoid, could leave 40-year-old Tom Heaton as Lammens' only backup.
That's why United are exploring moves for Darlow and Johnstone. The duo, 35 and 33 respectively, have bags of Premier League experience and would count towards United's homegrown quota.
In fact, Johnstone is a product of United's academy, although he never made a first-team appearance before leaving in 2018 - seven years after making his professional debut out on loan. Darlow, on the other hand, came through at Nottingham Forest.
The Wales international became first choice for Leeds last season and played a key role in them avoiding relegation, although he's out of contract next week. As for Johnstone, he played 12 league games as Wolves went down to the Championship.
After 15 years and seven loan moves, Johnstone made the decision to quit United while David de Gea remained at the peak of his powers. "Of course leaving United was a tough call, but when you've done your loans, banked the experience and David De Gea is still there at No.1 every time you return, you can't wait around forever," he explained in 2021.
LEEDS, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27: Karl Darlow of Leeds United reacts during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Bournemouth at Elland Road on September 27, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
Karl Darlow is set to become a free agent(Image: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 08: Sam Johnstone of Wolverhampton Wanderers looks on during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United at Molineux on December 08, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Sam Johnstone came through at Manchester United(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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"You get the taste for playing every week and when you get to a certain age, you want more than to go training every day hoping your chance will come but wondering if it will materialise. Deep down I knew I wasn't going to play for Manchester United and I had to go down a different route."
Johnstone's career could now come full circle, playing under a manager in Michael Carrick who was starring for United while he was in their academy. His contact with Wolves expires in 2028.
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