Manchester United player closes in on Middlesbrough transfer

Middlesbrough are closing in on the permanent signing of Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek, talkSPORT understands.

Vitek enjoyed a productive loan spell with Championship side Bristol City last season.

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The 22-year-old kept 12 clean sheets in England’s second tier last term, the fifth most in the division as the Robins finished 12th.

Vitek is now close to a permanent switch to the Riverside Stadium to provide cover and competition for Sol Brynn.

The move to Boro brings the curtain down on a six-year spell at Old Trafford.

The Czech stopper joined the United academy from Sigma Olomouc in his homeland in 2020, though failed to make a single appearance for United.

Karl Darlow’s arrival from Leeds United pushed Vitek further down the goalkeeping pecking order for Michael Carrick’s men.

‘I hope there is interest’

And the young goalkeeper admitted during pre-season that he is ready to leave United in search of regular action.

Speaking after a second-half appearance during United’s 1-0 pre-season defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki, Vitek said: “I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to hopefully be number one.

“I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when the things are more concrete.”

When asked whether he’d hope for another loan or a permanent exit, he replied: “I’m ready for both to be fair.

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“It depends on what the club wants and also depends on the options and, yeah, we’ll see.

“There’s been a few interests on the table, but we’re hoping to get the best one and hopefully it will happen soon.

“I want to play every week and that’s the goal for next season. Hopefully I find out soon where that’s going to be.”

Man Utd’s summer business

Vitek will become the club’s second high-profile sale of the summer after Rasmus Hojlund’s loan move to Napoli was made permanent.

Casemiro left Old Trafford for MLS powerhouse Inter Miami, while Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia departed after their respective contracts expired.

United have brought in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa, respectively, to ease Casemiro’s exit.

Darlow, meanwhile, joined after his Leeds contract expired, and arrives as cover for first-choice shotstopper Senne Lammens.