Manchester United are reportedly on the verge of signing free agent goalkeeper Karl Darlow, according to The Athletic. The 35-year-old Wales international became available after his contract with Leeds United expired last month, rejecting several offers from the club to keep his options open.
Darlow's impressive season at Leeds
Darlow established himself as Leeds' number one under Daniel Farke, starting every match from mid-January through the end of the Premier League season. He finished the campaign with five clean sheets and was a popular figure in the dressing room. Leeds had pushed to secure him on a new deal after he ousted Lucas Perri, but Darlow sought a fresh challenge in the twilight of his career.
United's goalkeeping plans
The Red Devils have been searching for an experienced, homegrown goalkeeper to back up undisputed number one Senne Lammens. Everton and Tottenham also expressed interest in Darlow. His arrival at Old Trafford would likely see Altay Bayindir depart, with Besiktas circling for the Turkey international after three error-strewn years at United.
Farke's coy response
Leeds head coach Daniel Farke remained tight-lipped on Darlow's future amid speculation. '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 in April. '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 to be ramping up their summer activity, 12 months after spending over £200 million on recruits including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. The club is prioritising central midfield and has reportedly wrapped up deals for Atalanta's Ederson and Chelsea's Andrey Santos. Darlow would be the second goalkeeper to leave Leeds this summer, following Illan Meslier's free transfer to Premier League champions Arsenal. Meslier made no league appearances last season after falling down the pecking order.
