Rangers Identify This Manchester United Keeper As A Summer Target: Why He Could Be A Smart Signing For McInnes | OneFootball

If a recent report from Sky Sports (as cited by The Scottish Sun) is believed to be true, Rangers are assessing several goalkeeping options and have shortlisted Radek Vitek as one of their summer targets. But they are not alone in the race, with newly-promoted Premier League club Hull City also credited with interest for the Manchester United custodian.

The 22-year-old former Czech Republic youth international progressed through Sigma Olomouc’s academy ranks back in his homeland before being roped in by the Red Devils in July 2020. After a spell with the reserves, he was sent out on loan to Accrington Stanley in the fourth tier of English football.

Why Rangers Have Identified Him As A Transfer Target

Vitek’s impressive spell between the sticks earned him a season-long loan move to the Austrian top-tier outfit Blau-Weiß Linz ahead of the 2024-25 season. Having helped them claim a top-half finish with 6 clean sheets in 26 league outings, the youngster penned a new deal at Old Trafford last summer and left for Bristol City in the Championship for another temporary stint. There, he featured 41 times in goal en route to securing a mid-table finish, and could now reunite with Ross McCrorie, who has returned to his boyhood club from the Robins.

BRISTOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 18: Jose Cordoba of Norwich City reacts to a save by goalkeeper Radek Vitek of Bristol City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Norwich City at Ashton Gate on April 18, 2026 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Simon Galloway/Getty Images)

Rangers have two senior names, Jack Butland and Liam Kelly, who have been challenging each other over the past couple of campaigns. Butland restored his starting spot last season following a few strong performances, but his high-profile errors, poor distribution and lack of ball-playing traits have troubled them time and again. Kelly has not done enough to feature week in, week out, and the club are now chasing a younger alternative who could emerge as their long-term successor.

Why Vitek Remains A More Realistic Option

Meanwhile, the Gers are also in talks with Hull City over a straight swap between Butland and Ivor Pandur. The 26-year-old keeper, part of Croatia’s World Cup squad, is valued at £10m, and any move involving the Rangers ‘number 1′ would bring the asking price down. Yet it won’t be a straightforward one in the wake of the Tigers’ promotion to the Premier League. Sebastiano Desplanches, the other rumoured target, might as well end up staying in Italy amid interest from several Italian teams.

After the conundrum with Andre Onana and Altay Bayındır, Manchester United have finally restored some stability in the last line of defence since Senne Lammens’ arrival. Vitek might prefer a fresh challenge elsewhere over staying as the Belgian’s understudy at the Theatre of Dreams, and his shot-stopping ability, massive physical frame, and command of the box should see him script a success story north of the border.