Manchester United 'considering' surprise move for Leeds United man

Manchester United credited with interest in surprise swoop for Leeds United’s Karl Darlow amid Tottenham Hotspur links

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Manchester United are reportedly considering a surprise move for Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

The 35-year-old spent a lengthy period as the understudy stopper at Elland Road, but over the course of the last two seasons has dislodged both Illan Meslier and Lucas Perri.

He ended the 2025/26 campaign in fine form, helping Leeds retain their Premier League status with solid displays between the sticks.

The England-born Wales international has not only proven to be a reliable operator, he counts towards the homegrown quota.

It appears these factors have made him an attractive prospect, as Tottenham Hotspur have recently been credited with interest in securing his services.

Manchester United linked with Leeds United goalkeeper

Spurs could face a battle for his signature, as The Athletic have claimed Manchester United are weighing up a swoop for the former Hull City loanee.

The Red Devils, Leeds’ bitter rivals from across the Pennines, are said to be looking at getting an experienced deputy on board. Also thought to be under consideration is Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Sam Johnstone.

Darlow is due to see his Leeds contract expire at the end of the month but reports have indicated the Whites want to keep hold of him.

However, if the Whites are looking to sign a new number one this summer, it may be tough to convince Darlow to snub high-profile rivals.

Expert’s view on Karl Darlow

Last month, Leeds legend Tony Dorigo claimed Darlow was deserving of a new deal in an interview with The Yorkshire Post.

When asked by if Darlow had done enough to earn a new contract, Dorigo said: “For me, most definitely. I mean, if you think of the the issues we had with the form of our ‘keepers, whether it was Meslier, whether it was Perri, for him to come in, there's a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

“When he came, he didn't play much at all, and all of a sudden, you put him in that sort of arena under that sort of pressure and he's come through it, time and time again. It's interesting because I always think with great ‘keepers, it's not actually about all the incredible saves you make. It's more the mistakes you don't.

“I think it's those that are steady as a rock. You know exactly what they're going to do. Darlow falls into that category. I think he’s been really solid for us. It's clear the defenders feel confident in him and vice versa, I think that sort of ‘keeper is always valuable.

“Whether it's as number one or two, who knows, that's up to the manager, but I think as a character and with what he's done, he's been very impressive.”

Karl Darlow’s time at Leeds United

Leeds signed Darlow from Newcastle United in the summer of 2023, when there was uncertainty over Meslier’s future at Elland Road.

Many believed the Frenchman would move on but an exit failed to materialise, leaving Darlow to play second-fiddle.

He eventually moved into the number one spot for the Championship run-in in 2025, later becoming number one again in January this year after Perri’s blunders in the 4-3 defeat to Newcastle.