Man United ‘explore’ transfer for Wales and Leeds United star

Man United are reportedly considering a move for Wales international goalkeeper Karl Darlow as they continue their search for a reliable backup option ahead of the new season.

Darlow, who has been capped 15 times by Wales, recently started in the Dragons’ 1-1 draw with Ghana before Danny Ward was handed the gloves for the clash against Romania.

At club level, the 34-year-old established himself as Leeds United’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, making 24 appearances and recording five clean sheets as Daniel Farke’s side secured another year in the Premier League.

According to The Athletic’s Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell, the Red Devils are exploring several goalkeeping options, with Leeds United veteran Darlow among the names under consideration. Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is also believed to be on United’s shortlist.

Both Darlow and Johnstone would help United meet Premier League homegrown squad requirements, making them attractive options as the club looks to strengthen its depth between the posts.

Karl Darlow Available on a Free Transfer

Darlow’s current contract with Leeds United is set to expire this summer, meaning Manchester United could secure his services without paying a transfer fee.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper spent last season at Elland Road and remains highly regarded by Leeds manager Daniel Farke. While Darlow is available on a free transfer, Leeds are reportedly keen to retain his services and are expected to offer him a new contract.

Speaking about Darlow’s future earlier this year, Farke praised the experienced shot-stopper’s importance to the squad.

“Like I said about the future, we’ll just speak once everything is confirmed – about futures, about our recruitment, about goalkeepers, outfield players, staff members, whatever,” Farke told the Yorkshire Evening Post on May 1.

“How much I trust Karl and value Karl, you could tell by the fact that he was in the crunch-time last season and that he is right now in such a period my number one goalkeeper. He also keeps out a highly-rated player like Lucas Perri, who has been impressive in the cup with some decent performances.”

Second Wales keeper to be on United’s radar

Interest in Darlow comes after reports emerged in March that Manchester United scouts had attended a match to watch another Welsh goalkeeper, Kit Margetson.

A representative from Old Trafford was reportedly in attendance at a Cymru Premier fixture, keeping a close eye on the highly rated young stopper.

Goalkeeping scout Tony Coton was present at the Essity Stadium as Connah’s Quay Nomads suffered a 2-1 defeat to The New Saints.

Coton’s primary objective was to assess Margetson. The 19-year-old spent time on loan at Connah’s Quay from EFL Championship side Swansea City and enjoyed his first senior spell away from South Wales. The move has provided him with valuable first-team experience in the Cymru Premier.

His performances have not gone unnoticed. Swansea City fan page Only Swans claims Manchester United are not the only club monitoring his progress, with Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Liverpool also said to be interested.

The presence of the Manchester United scout was revealed during live commentary on Sgorio by former Wales international Malcolm Allen, who earned 14 caps for his country and played alongside Coton at Watford during the mid-1980s.

“I’m going to tell you the truth, he told me he’s watching Kit,” Allen said to commentator Nic Parry.

“It’s great to see the Cymru Premier pulling in scouts from the biggest clubs in the world.

“He’s competent in what he’s doing. He’s growing up, and every time I see him play, he’s growing up in front of me.”