Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek is the subject of interest from Middlesbrough, with the prospective deal said to be in its 'early stages', according to journalist Lyall Thomas.
Vitek enjoyed an outstanding season on loan at Bristol City in 2025/26, keeping 12 clean sheets in 41 Championship appearances. These performances have prompted Michael Carrick to take a closer look at the Czech at the start of pre-season, while this form has also sparked interest from a number of clubs.
Celtic have been linked with a move for Vitek, although the Scottish outfit are yet to make a formal offer for the shot-stopper.
It now appears as though Middlesbrough are the frontrunners to land the 22-year-old, with the deal complicated, but negotiations said to be underway.
Man Utd Goalkeeper Radek Vitek Linked with Middlesbrough
Radek Vitek (Bristol City)Andrew Couldridge via Action Images/Reuters
Born in Vsetin, Czech Republic, Vitek developed through Sigma Olomouc's academy before completing a switch to United in 2020. He's since enjoyed a series of successful loan spells, with the most recent stint — a year at Bristol City — proving the most fruitful.
The keeper earned plaudits for his performances at Ashton Gate, with his displays described as 'ridiculous'. He reported for pre-season training at Carrington earlier this month and has featured twice for Carrick's side, most recently in a 5-0 friendly win over Rosenborg.
Despite his prominence in pre-season, Vitek is expected to leave the north-west club this summer. Senne Lammens and Altay Bayindir remain ahead of him in the pecking order, and he's deemed too good to warm the bench, while he's also a saleable asset for the Red Devils.
Vitek said after that game: "I'm ready for both (loan or permanent move), to be fair. It depends on what the club wants and also on the options. There has been a few interests on the table. We're hoping to choose the best one and hopefully it will happen soon."
Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas reports that Vitek is of interest to Middlesbrough, who are looking for a goalkeeper to potentially replace Solomon Brynn. While the deal is very much at a preliminary stage, there is confidence that an agreement could be struck.
Man Utd Need to Raise Funds For Incomings
Man Utd manager Michael Carrick looks on vs Leeds
United have enjoyed a promising start to the summer window. A £50 million deal for Andrey Santos and a £35 million deal for Youri Tielemans have gone a long way to fixing their midfield issues, although more work still needs to be done.
Another midfielder is on the agenda, but the Red Devils must carefully manage their spending. Carrick is also said to want at least one full-back and potentially another forward.
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The Manchester-based club will need to sanction some departures to raise funds for this spending spree, as they're yet to garner a significant fee for a player this summer. Selling Vitek for a considerable profit would be a start, before they must continue to search for solutions for some of their other wantaway stars, including Marcus Rashford.