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Promising Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek is closing in on a permanent move to Middlesbrough after Michael Carrick appeared to offer a major indication over the player’s future.

Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek is on the brink of sealing a permanent transfer to Championship club Middlesbrough. The highly rated young keeper was left on the bench in the recent pre-season win over Atletico Madrid, a clear sign that his departure from Old Trafford is nearing as he looks for regular first-team football before the new season begins.

Vitek nears Old Trafford exit

Vitek is preparing to bring an end to his six-year stay at Manchester United, with Middlesbrough in advanced discussions to sign the young shot-stopper. According to the Daily Mirror, Manchester United are in advanced talks to send Vitek to the Riverside Stadium.

The agreement is expected to include both a sell-on clause and a buy-back option, although the exact transfer fee has not yet been revealed. The move gathers pace after Carrick kept Vitek on the bench during Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday, which served as a major clue regarding what lies ahead. Vitek had started the first two pre-season friendlies before being left out in this notable decision.

Desire for regular game time

Vitek wants to secure a regular starting role after an impressive loan spell with Bristol City last season, during which he recorded 12 clean sheets. After Karl Darlow arrived to act as backup to Senne Lammens, Vitek slipped further down the goalkeeping order.

Speaking in pre-season, Vitek made his position very clear: "I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see. We will see what is going to happen. At the moment, I am still here, but we will see. I hope so. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when things are more concrete."

Evaluating the transfer options

Middlesbrough have offered Vitek an ideal chance to compete with Sol Brynn for the number one goalkeeper’s spot. When he was asked earlier whether he would prefer another loan spell or a permanent departure, Vitek explained his thinking: "I'm ready for both to be fair. 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." Manchester United have been actively reshaping their squad, making an exit a move that suits both parties.

What comes next for Vitek?

Vitek is now expected to undergo a medical and complete personal terms with Middlesbrough before finalising his permanent move. Once the transfer is formally confirmed, the goalkeeper will move quickly to settle into his new squad as preparations continue for the upcoming Championship matches.

At the same time, Manchester United are expected to keep trimming their squad before the transfer window shuts, with attention on outgoing deals as well as possible additions in midfield.