Leeds United have reached a tipping point with regard to their goalkeeping uncertainty and have made the first move for a World Cup goalkeeper.
They have offered Karl Darlow a new contract, but the delay in the negotiations suggests that the Welshman’s head has turned amid interest from Manchester United.
Darlow is out of contract next week, and it is now becoming a real possibility that the goalkeeper will leave the club on a free transfer in the ongoing window.
Leeds are unsure about Lucas Perri after a poor first season, and the club are now stepping up efforts to bring in a new goalkeeper before the new season.
The club made contact for Sweden goalkeeper Widell Zetterstrom
Widell Zetterstrom impressed for Sweden in his World Cup debut against Japan on Thursday night, and could be in for a transfer in the ongoing window.
He impressed for Derby County last season, and his debut performance in the World Cup has turned a few heads in English football this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are among the clubs to make contact and understand the feasibility of a deal to sign the Derby County goalkeeper.
His performances have impressed Leeds, and he is one of the names on their shortlist of targets as they seek to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer.
Zetterstrom’s qualities are admired in the Leeds recruitment team, and the club are trying to gauge the finances required to sign him this summer.
German club Eintracht Frankfurt are also interested in getting their hands on the Swedish goalkeeper in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds hope the possibility of playing in the Premier League would appeal to the Derby goalkeeper more this summer.
They were banking on Darlow to stay but…
With Illan Meslier already gone, Leeds United’s goalkeeping situation has become a growing concern. Lucas Perri failed to do enough last season to convince that he is ready to be a first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Leeds had hoped Karl Darlow would stay and provide experience and competition, but interest from Manchester United has left the Welshman looking increasingly likely to head to Old Trafford this summer.
Earlier in the window, the club were considering bringing in just one new goalkeeper. That plan may now have to change, with Leeds potentially needing two additions to strengthen the position and ensure they have enough depth.
The Whites turned down an offer for Perri during the January transfer window, but Daniel Farke is still not fully convinced by the Brazilian. Strengthening the goalkeeping department has now become one of the club’s priorities this summer.
