Manchester United's Radek Vitek is closing in on a move to Middlesbrough (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
Manchester United's Radek Vitek is closing in on a move to Middlesbrough (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
MIDDLESBROUGH are set for another major transfer boost, with the Championship club closing in on the permanent signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek.
Vitek was lined up as Boro's leading goalkeeper target and a breakthrough has now been reached in talks with Manchester United.
It's understood Vitek is now due to travel to Teesside to put the finishing touches to the move.
The breakthrough is another major boost for Boro after the arrival of Max Arfsten on Tuesday, who followed Sebastian Berhalter, Will Lankshear, Kyle Joseph and Myles Peart-Harris through the door at Rockliffe.
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Signing a senior goalkeeper was identified as a priority this summer, with several potential targets lined up, including Everton's Mark Travers. A loan move for Kayne van Oevelen, who has just joined Ipswich Town, was also discussed.
But Vitek was the leading target after he starred on loan at Bristol City last season and then made it clear he had no intention of playing the role of deputy at Old Trafford.
Earlier this summer, Vitek said: "I'm ready to go somewhere again and hopefully be number one."
Asked whether that would be a loan or permanent, Vitek said: "I'm ready for both, 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."
Vitek kept 12 clean sheets on his way to winning three Player of the Year awards at Bristol City last term.
Sol Brynn was last season's No.1 at Boro, and while the Teessider will obviously be given the chance to compete for the gloves with Vitek, the 22-year-old will clearly arrive from Old Trafford expecting to play.
The arrival of Vitek will be another major box ticked for Boro, who are continuing their push to sign centre-back Ashley Phillips from Tottenham.