Karl Darlow ‘close to joining’ Manchester United in blow to Leeds United | OneFootball

Leeds United look set to miss out on re-signing Karl Darlow, with the goalkeeper closing in on a move to Manchester United.

According to The Athletic, a deal is at an advanced stage, with United seeking experienced cover for first-choice Senne Lammens.

Darlow, 35, is a free agent after his Elland Road contract expired at the end of last month. Leeds held talks over an extension, but United and Everton are believed to have made offers.

Lammens is expected to keep the No 1 role after impressing following a £18m switch from Royal Antwerp last season, with Darlow lined up as back-up. Altay Bayindir currently fills that role, but the Turkish goalkeeper is expected to leave this summer.

Darlow finished last season as Leeds’ first choice, replacing £16m summer signing Lucas Perri in January after errors against Manchester United and Newcastle. He went on to make 22 Premier League starts and kept five of the club’s eight clean sheets.

Those appearances included April’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford, a standout night at what could soon be his new home.

As a homegrown free agent with top-flight pedigree, Darlow inevitably drew strong interest, and his decision represents a setback for Leeds. Daniel Farke now has only one senior goalkeeper in Perri, with Illan Meslier having joined Arsenal, and the club need at least one addition this summer.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk