Karl Darlow is set to shock Manchester United by ignoring a move to Old Trafford and commit his future to Leeds United this summer.
Darlow is out of contract next week, and Manchester United have held talks with Leeds goalkeeper to sign him on a free transfer in the ongoing window.
Leeds have offered him a new contract, but the delay in negotiations led to suggestions that he could be on his way out of Elland Road in the ongoing window.
However, there is now clear indication that Darlow is set to stay and snub the interest from Manchester United by signing a new contract with Leeds.
Karl Darlow is on the verge of agreeing a new two-year contract
Darlow became the first-choice goalkeeper at Leeds midway through last season and is expected to start the new campaign as the number 1 if he stays.
Manchester United’s interest has been a major complication, but Leeds were always banking on his willingness to play regular football to dictate the final outcome.
According to The Leeds Press Insider, Elland Back, the goalkeeper, is on the cusp of signing a new two-year contract with the Yorkshire giants.
Sources inside the club suggest that Leeds are closing in on an agreement with Darlow’s representatives over tying him down to a new contract.
The 35-year-old made 22 appearances for Leeds last season, keeping five clean sheets and conceding 27 goals from 90 shots on target. Those numbers highlight just how dependable he remained between the posts, despite being in the latter stages of his career.
Daniel Farke has played a key role behind the scenes to ensure that Darlow stays on at Elland Road on improved terms.
A huge relief for Leeds
Leeds have been banking on holding on to Darlow, and it seems their patience is set to pay off as the Welshman is close to signing a new contract.
It would have been a huge blow if the goalkeeper left Leeds for Manchester United, as they are already unsure about Lucas Perri and would have been forced to sign two new goalkeepers.
Now, they can be calmer and consider their options, as Darlow’s impending contract removes the possibility of Leeds starting pre-season without a clear number one.
Leeds have made contact for a World Cup goalkeeper, but they are now more likely to bring in a replacement for Perri and not Darlow.
The Welshman will continue to be number one for the time being rather than be the understudy to Senne Lammens at Manchester United.
