Middlesbrough and Manchester United are progressing with talks over goalkeeper Radek Vitek
Radek Vitek of Manchester United
Radek Vitek of Manchester United (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Middlesbrough are increasingly confident of landing Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, after talks progressed to an advanced stage between the two clubs.
Vitek was Boro’s top goalkeeper target this summer after it was decided they should upgrade following Sol Brynn’s first season as first choice last term.
While Boro considered other options such as another loan deal for Mark Travers in case a Vitek move proved unviable, Boro have ultimately been able to advance talks with Manchester United and are now finalising the finer details before Vitek arrives to complete his move.
Last season, as Brynn’s form was a bit more erratic, Vitek, 22, excelled during a loan spell at Bristol City, establishing himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the Championship.
Returning to Manchester United this summer, he has played a big role in the summer pre-season friendlies so far. United’s first choice Senne Lammens was late back for pre-season after representing Belgium at the World Cup.
But aware that his chances of playing at Old Trafford were slim, Vitek had already made clear that his desire was to leave this summer. The Czech youth international said: "I'm ready to go somewhere again and hopefully be number one.
"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’s arrival will be seen as another major deal for Boro in a summer where there was initial uncertainty over what they would do with their goalkeeper department, and whether they’d stick with Brynn or upgrade.
And while Boro sources insist that Vitek’s arrival does not shut the door on Brynn or his Boro career, it’s clear that Vitek arrives from Manchester United expecting to be first choice.
The duo will ultimately be given the chance to battle for the starting spot in Kim Hellberg’s team, while it’s hoped that more fierce competition could still help Brynn develop further too.
However, it’s also evident that Boro see Vitek as a real upgrade for their goalkeeping department, as their impressive summer recruitment drive continues, in a bid to provide Kim Hellberg with the tools to deliver promotion.
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