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Leeds United appear set to miss out on re-signing goalkeeper Karl Darlow, as the experienced shot-stopper moves closer to joining Manchester United on a free transfer.

As reported by The Athletic, the 35-year-old is in advanced discussions with the Old Trafford club, with the deal nearing completion. Manchester United are seeking to strengthen their goalkeeping options by adding a seasoned back-up for first-choice Senne Lammens, who impressed following his £18 million move from Royal Antwerp last season. Darlow is expected to serve as the second-choice goalkeeper, with Altay Bayindir likely to leave during the summer transfer window.

Darlow became a free agent after his contract with Leeds concluded at the end of last month. While Leeds United had entered talks over a possible extension, growing interest from other clubs complicated efforts to finalise a quick renewal.

If Leeds fail to bring Darlow back, manager Daniel Farke will be left with only one senior goalkeeper, Lucas Perri, who endured a difficult campaign last season. Illan Meslier has already departed Elland Road, completing a move to Arsenal earlier in the summer.

Darlow had finished last season as Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper after Perri — a £16 million signing last summer — lost his starting position in January following crucial errors against Manchester United and Newcastle United. The Welsh international made 22 Premier League appearances, including a notable 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in April, and recorded five of Leeds’ eight clean sheets in the league.

Given his homegrown status, Premier League experience, and availability as a free agent, Darlow has naturally drawn significant interest from several clubs. Leeds United now face the challenge of recruiting at least one new goalkeeper before the start of the upcoming season.