Leeds open contract talks with Karl Darlow to fend off Manchester United interest

Leeds United have opened contract talks with goalkeeper Karl Darlow in a bid to retain the 35-year-old before his deal expires at the end of June, amid reported interest from Manchester United and other Premier League clubs.

Darlow has attracted attention this summer as a free agent, with United — managed by Michael Carrick — exploring experienced back-up options behind established No.1 Senne Lammens. The club have already extended veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton’s contract for another season and have also looked at Wolves’ Sam Johnstone, while Altay Bayindir is on the transfer list and Andre Onana is available for a permanent move following a loan spell at Trabzonspor.

Despite the outside interest, Leeds are determined to hold on to Darlow, who played a pivotal role in helping the club avoid relegation last season. The Wales international displaced summer signing Lucas Perri as first choice in January, going on to record five clean sheets in 22 Premier League appearances and earning a save-of-the-season nomination for a stop against Wolves.

It is a pattern that has become familiar at Elland Road. Darlow has begun each of his three seasons under Daniel Farke as second choice, yet has finished the last two campaigns as the undisputed No.1. Farke indicated last month that he was keen to keep the goalkeeper, though Leeds are also expected to enter the market for a new shot-stopper this summer — raising the possibility that Darlow could again find himself in a back-up role if a high-profile signing arrives.

Elsewhere at United, the club have confirmed that Jadon Sancho, Casemiro, and Tyrell Malacia will leave when their contracts expire, alongside academy players Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey, and Malachi Sharpe. Having secured a third-place finish and a Champions League berth for next season, United are prioritising a midfield replacement for Casemiro, with Atalanta’s Ederson reported to be close to becoming the club’s first signing of the summer window.