Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of signing free agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow. The 35-year-old is available after his contract with Leeds United expired last month.
Darlow's Leeds exit
Leeds had pushed to keep Darlow, who became Daniel Farke's first-choice goalkeeper from mid-January, starting every match until the season's end. He finished the Premier League campaign with five clean sheets and was a popular figure in the dressing room. However, the Wales international rejected several contract offers, preferring to explore options in the twilight of his career.
United's interest
According to The Athletic, United are seeking an experienced, homegrown backup for undisputed number one Senne Lammens. Everton and Tottenham also showed interest in Darlow. His arrival at Old Trafford could pave the way for Altay Bayindir to leave, with Besiktas reportedly circling the Turkey international after three error-strewn years at United.
Farke's comments
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke was coy on Darlow's future in April. 'Like I said about the future, we’ll just speak once everything is confirmed – about futures, about our recruitment, about goalkeepers, outfield players, staff members, whatever,' Farke told reporters. 'But how much I trust Karl and value Karl, you could tell by the fact that he was in the crunch-time last season in that he is right now in such a period my number one goalkeeper. I’ve got not just the highest respect for Karl, but also I rate him so, so high. And Karl knows this 100 per cent, there’s a big, big trust between each other.'
United's summer business
United appear active in the transfer market, a year after spending over £200 million on new recruits including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. The club is prioritising central midfield and has reportedly sealed deals for Atalanta's Ederson and Chelsea's Andrey Santos. Darlow would be the second Leeds goalkeeper to depart this summer, following Illan Meslier's free transfer to Premier League champions Arsenal. Meslier failed to make a single Premier League appearance last season.
