Karl Darlow has rejected an offer to sign a new contract wth Leeds United in favour of joining Manchester United in the ongoing transfer window.
Darlow finished the season as Leeds’ number 1, and while his contract expired in June, there was an expectation that he would sign a new two-year contract with the Elland Road outfit.
However, it emerged towards the end of last month that Manchester United are interested in signing the goalkeeper on a free transfer this summer.
Everton also showed an interest in the 35-year-old, but Leeds were confident that the goalkeeper would ultimately decide to stay on at Elland Road for next season.
Karl Darlow is set to join Manchester United
Darlow has decided against returning to Leeds after his contract expired, and now he is Old Trafford-bound this summer.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United are close to completing a deal to sign the veteran goalkeeper on a free transfer in the ongoing window.
Manchester United have been in talks with Darlow and his representatives over a contract and have managed to convince the Welshman to move to Old Trafford.
The final details of the deal are being finalised, but there is an agreement for Darlow to move to Old Trafford in the ongoing summer transfer window.
Once the deal is completed and Darlow passes a medical, the goalkeeper will link up with the squad for pre-season preparations under Michael Carrick.
The Welshman will be the number 2 behind Senne Lammens, with Altay Bayindir now expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United have been keen to sign an experienced goalkeeper to be the number 2 at Old Trafford, and Darlow will serve that purpose.
The former Leeds goalkeeper will also be considered a homegrown player, which serves one more purpose for a team in the Champions League next season.
Big blow for Leeds United
At the end of last season, there was a real expectation that Darlow would sign a new contract and continue at Elland Road next term.
Even when Manchester United’s interest emerged, Leeds believed that the Welshman would choose playing regular football over being the number 2 at Old Trafford.
However, he is now Manchester United-bound and Leeds have a huge headache to solve with their goalkeeping departure ahead of next season.
Lucas Perri has not convinced anyone that he could be the long-term number 1 for Leeds, but he is now the only experienced goalkeeper in the squad beside Alex Cairns.
