Manchester United are in advanced talks with Middlesbrough over the sale of goalkeeper Radek Vitek. The 22-year-old has been seeking regular first-team football after a successful loan spell with Bristol City last season.
Vitek started United's first two pre-season friendlies under Michael Carrick, but was left on the bench for the 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday, hinting at his imminent departure.
Permanent move to the Riverside
Vitek is now close to completing a permanent move to Middlesbrough. Reports indicate that United will include both a sell-on clause and a buy-back option in the deal, though no fee has been disclosed.
After winning Bristol City's end-of-season awards, Vitek attracted significant interest. He made it clear at the start of pre-season that he was ready to leave.
"I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see," Vitek told reporters. "We will see what is going to happen. At the moment, I am still here, but we will see. I hope so. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when things are more concrete."
Other potential departures
Vitek isn't the only United player who could leave soon. Joshua Zirkzee has agreed to join Juventus, while Altay Bayindir is a target for Besiktas.
United have made three signings this summer: goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer, and midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined £85 million.
Carrick would like to add a third midfielder, especially after Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup, ruling him out for most of the season. However, the club's hierarchy are weighing up whether to prioritise other areas.
Left-back is another position United want to strengthen, with Luke Shaw's fitness a concern and Patrick Dorgu being used further forward. Newcastle's Lewis Hall is a target and open to the switch, but it would likely require a huge fee.
