What Leeds United boss Daniel Farke said on Karl Darlow future amid Manchester United transfer interest
The Leeds United boss was quizzed on his goalkeeper’s future during the season.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke could face a battle to keep his first-choice goalkeeper this summer amid reports of outside interest in Karl Darlow.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday morning that Darlow could be a target for Manchester United. The Old Trafford club are said to be ‘considering an approach’ for the Welsh international whose Leeds contract is due to expire this summer.
Darlow made 22 Premier League appearances for Leeds last season, stepping in for Lucas Perri and settling things down with a string of fine performances. The 35-year-old earned a save of the season nomination and has also cemented himself as Wales No.1 under Craig Bellamy.
Manchester United are believed to be looking for depth in the goalkeeper department, with current back up to Senne Lammens, Altay Bayindir, expected to leave. Darlow’s homegrown status is expected to fuel transfer interest and Leeds could face a battle to keep their experienced shot-stopper.
Farke was quizzed on the future of his first-choice goalkeeper towards the end of April, with Illan Meslier and Alex Cairns also out of contract. The Whites boss opted against giving anything away in terms of potential talks but made clear his feelings for Darlow, suggesting people should ‘read between the lines’.
Daniel Farke on Karl Darlow contract amid Man Utd links
"Like I said about the future, we'll just speak once everything is confirmed - about futures, about our recruitment, about goalkeepers, outfield players, staff members, whatever,” Farke said at the time. “But how much I trust Karl and value Karl, you could tell by the fact that he was in the crunch-time last season in that he is right now in such a period my number one goalkeeper.
“Also. he keeps out a highly-rated player like Lucas Perri who has been impressive in the cup with some decent performances. I think Karl was fantastic in the last weeks and last months, to be honest since the first day I worked with him, not just his performance on the pitch, but also how he is as a human being.
“I've got not just the highest respect for Karl, but also I rate him so, so high. And Karl knows this 100 per cent, there's a big, big trust between each other, and you can read, perhaps even a bit in between the lines, if you want. But I will just speak about the future, once everything's confirmed."
Outside interest will add an element of uncertainty to Darlow’s future but as a homegrown free agent who has just proven his Premier League ability, competition will have been expected. The Athletic report did add that Elland Road chiefs want to keep the Welsh international and are looking to offer him a new deal.
Leeds tied down Darlow’s international teammate and club captain Ethan Ampadu last week, the midfielder signing a new four-year contract which was revealed by chairman Parag Marathe. He also admitted it was ‘important’ for him and Farke to keep the core of the current squad together if possible.