Middlesbrough are close to signing Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek on a permanent deal.Vitek has attracted interest from several sides during this window but Middlesbrough are in advanced talks to bring the 22-year-old to the Riverside Stadium.The transfer is set to include a buyback for United, as well as a sell-on clause. United have chosen to pursue a permanent move rather than a loan to recoup money now.Vitek swept the board at Bristol City’s Player of the Year awards after a successful loan last season, but wants to play regular football. He would be behind Senne Lammens, United’s No 1, if he were to stay at Old Trafford.United signed Karl Darlow, 35, on a free transfer after his Leeds United contract expired, in preparation for a turnover in the goalkeeping department. Altay Bayindir is expected to go, and the Turkish international has interest from Celta Vigo among other clubs.Vitek has featured in United’s pre-season, playing 72 minutes against Rosenborg and 45 minutes against Wrexham, keeping a clean sheet on both occasions.Middlesbrough lost the Championship play-off final in May to Hull City. Michael Carrick, the Manchester United head coach, managed Middlesbrough between from 2022 to 2025‘Vitek wanted to play’Analysis by Chris McKennaVitek’s season at Bristol City and the fact he had two years left on his contract at United was always going to mean a decision would have to be made this summer on his longer-term future.The Czech Republic goalkeeper swept the Championship club’s individual awards, winning the Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and Young Player of the Year after 12 clean sheets in 41 league appearances.He was initially signed as a stand in for the injured Max O’Leary but his impressive performances saw him retain his position and it ultimately led to the long-standing No. 1 departing Bristol City in January.The impressive campaign meant Vitek was not going to want to return to Old Trafford to warm the bench with Senne Lammens as United’s No 1 and the player made it clear he wanted to play to ensure he continued to progress while still being very appreciative of the coaching and support at Carrington.A loan and a permanent move were considered but the Middlesbrough option gives Vitek the chance to nail down a spot as No 1 at a club which will be planning to chase promotion to the Premier League. Meanwhile, United will feel protected with a buy-back clause should the situation with Lammens change.Aug 4, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms