Updated: 10 Jun 2026 11:33 BST |
4 min read
Manchester United are reportedly lining up a stunning summer transfer that would break a 22-year trend by plucking a player from one of their bitter rivals.
United are set to make wholesale changes to their squad during the upcoming transfer window after qualifying for the Champions League next season under Michael Carrick.
Part of the restructure will include strengthening the club’s depth, with a number of fringe players likely to be moved on such as backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
The Turkish international has barely featured since his €5 million move from Fenerbahce in 2023 and he is expected to be sold this summer, leaving a gap in the squad for a reserve shot-stopper.
Although Andre Onana is set to return to the club after his loan spell at Trabzonspor, the Cameroonian is not in Carrick’s plans and United are desperate to find a new club for the 30-year-old to get his wages off the books.
Third-choice keeper Tom Heaton signed a new one-year contract earlier this month but United are keen to sign a new homegrown option to replace Bayindir and their search could lead them towards a potentially unwelcome raid.
Man Utd eye rare crossover transfer from Leeds with Darlow deal
According to eSPORTY, United have identified Leeds star Karl Darlow as a target to backup number one goalie Senne Lammens.
Darlow finished last season as Leeds’ first-choice in goal, with the 35-year-old making 22 Premier League appearances after taking the number one spot from summer signing Lucas Perri.
Leeds are expected to pursue the signing of a new goalkeeper this summer and Darlow’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the month, giving United a chance to swoop in and secure an experienced backup to Lammens.
Should Darlow be signed by United, he would become the first player in 22 years who has moved from Leeds to Old Trafford, with the clubs having an intense local rivalry fuelled by previous controversial deals.
Former England international Alan Smith was the last player to make the move when he endured the wrath of Leeds’ fans by joining United despite coming through The Whites’ academy.
United youngster Danny Pugh went the other way in the Smith transfer, while Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona are also among the players that made the crossover from Leeds to United,
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