Middlesbrough are exploring the possibility of signing Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, according to Sky Sports.
The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Championship side Bristol City, where he made 41 appearances in all competitions.
He was hugely impressive and won the Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year and the Young Player of the Year awards at The Robins.
Vitek has featured for United in pre-season this summer, but he has made it clear that he would prefer to be a starter elsewhere next term.
Sky Sports now confirm that Boro are interested in signing the Czech star and he is one of several options they are looking at.
The United shot-stopper is expected to move again in a permanent or loan deal.
Vitek poised to leave Man Utd
Vitek was one of the standout goalkeepers in the Championship last season. He was influential for The Robins as they finished 12th with 62 points.
He is prepared to secure more first-team football as a regular starter. United are prepared to pursue a new solution for him, having just signed Karl Darlow.
Darlow, who had a fabulous second half to last season with Leeds United, recently arrived on a free transfer. The 35-year-old will be Senne Lammens’ deputy next term.
Altay Bayindir, who has been the backup shot-stopper over the past few years, is widely expected to move on, with interest from multiple Turkish clubs including Besiktas.
Boro recently signed Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear for an initial £10m. The deal could rise to a club-record £20m with add-ons based on various incentives.
United value Vitek at a realistic figure of £15m. They may not secure the entire fee upfront from Boro, but a deal similar to Lankshear with easy add-ons could be sealed.
Adding a buy-back clause and a high sell-on clause would prove beneficial for United in future.
Stats from Transfermarkt