Everton ‘to join’ Man Utd in race for out-of-contract Karl Darlow | OneFootball

Leeds United face a growing fight to re-sign Karl Darlow after his deal expired on Tuesday, with Premier League rivals showing interest.

Sky Sports reports that Everton are exploring a move to bolster a group that already includes Jordan Pickford and Mark Travers. The report adds Leeds have offered fresh terms, Manchester United are also keen, and Darlow is assessing his options.

They are looking for an experienced back-up to clear first-choice Senne Lammens, who joined in an £18million deal last year, with Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana both possible departures.

At 35, Darlow would be a low-cost, low-risk addition, homegrown and a full international. He featured in 22 of Leeds’ 38 top-flight games last season.

He helped cover for Illan Meslier through the 2024/25 promotion run, then fell behind summer arrival Lucas Perri. He reclaimed the No.1 shirt earlier this year after two errors by his rival against Manchester United and Newcastle.

Goalkeeper remains a live issue at Elland Road, with Perri the only senior option under contract. A new deal for Alex Cairns is thought to be verbally agreed, although nothing has been confirmed.

Meslier is also a free agent and has Premier League interest, namely from Arsenal, who might need cover for first-choice David Raya. Interest has also been noted in Parma’s Japan international Zion Suzuki, who is liked, but there is no active pursuit.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk