Karl Darlow: Major U-turn by goalkeeper leaves door wide open for Man United transfer | OneFootball

A goalkeeper signing is one that Manchester United were poised to make this summer.

Andre Onana is set to return to Trabzonspor on another season-long loan, and it is expected that the Turkish club will turn it into a permanent deal.

Altay Bayindir is also expected to leave, with suggestions that a return to Turkey could be on the cards.

Radek Vitek, who could have replaced the two, is expected to be sold.

In the end, United’s goalkeeping department may end up with only Senne Lammens and third-choice keeper Tom Heaton.

United therefore have no option but to pursue a back-up for Lammens.

Up until last week, Leeds United’s 35-year-old goalkeeper Karl Darlow was a strong candidate to join as United’s number two.

With his deal at Elland Road expiring, INEOS were keen on signing him on a free transfer.

However, the Whites, for whom he played a key part in their Premier League survival, were not ready to lose him for nothing. Thus, it was claimed they had convinced him to sign a new deal.

Latest on Karl Darlow’s new deal at Elland Road

But then, a day after his deal expired, Darlow had yet to sign a new one, with Sky Sports giving an interesting reason why. It is reported that “Leeds have offered him another deal, but the goalkeeper is considering his options.”

Furthermore, “Everton and Manchester United have shown interest in Karl Darlow, who is now a free agent after his Leeds contract expired.”

Doubts over Leeds deal, good news for Man United

While there is the battle with Everton to consider, the fact that Darlow has yet to agree to a new deal, despite discussions reportedly ongoing for some time, clearly tells its own story.

His head has evidently been turned, and hopefully for INEOS, it is the chance to join United and play Champions League football that has done it.

As immense as he was for Leeds last season, the 6ft 3in goalkeeper could be the perfect alternative to Lammens. He could help Michael Carrick rest Lammens when needed, rather than overusing him as last season, simply because he does not trust the alternatives.

Featured image Nathan Stirk via Getty Images

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