Man Utd closing in on transfer deal after Carrick dropped hint

Manchester United are in advanced talks with Middlesbrough over the sale of Radek Vitek. The goalkeeper has been in search of regular game time after an impressive loan spell with Bristol City last season.

Vitek, 22, started United's first two pre-season friendlies under Michael Carrick after returning to Old Trafford. But Carrick left him on the bench for the Red Devils' 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday in a hint at his impending departure.

Now, Vitek is on the verge of completing a move to the Riverside. Multiple reports say that the Czech is close to signing for Middlesbrough on a permanent basis, adding that United will insert both a sell-on clause and a buy-back option into the deal. No fee has emerged at this stage.

Having swept the end-of-season awards at Bristol City, Vitek found himself in high demand. The 22-year-old made it clear at the start of pre-season that he was 'ready' to leave.

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"I feel great and ready to go again somewhere to be, hopefully, number one, so we will see," Vitek told reporters. "We will see what is going to happen.

"At the moment, I am still here, but we will see. I hope so. I hope there will be some interest. I think you will know when things are more concrete."

Vitek isn't the only United player who could be on the move in the coming days. Joshua Zirkzee has given the green light to join Juventus while Altay Bayindir is a target for Besiktas.

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As far as incomings go, United have made three signings this summer. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow was brought in on a free transfer to serve as backup to Senne Lammens, while midfield duo Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have joined for a combined £85million.

Carrick would like to add a third midfielder, particularly after Manuel Ugarte picked up a serious knee injury at the World Cup and will be ruled out for most of the season. However, the Red Devils hierarchy are weighing up whether to prioritise other areas instead.

Left-back is a position which United want to strengthen, with Luke Shaw's fitness always a concern and Patrick Dorgu being used further forward since Carrick was appointed. Newcastle's Lewis Hall is a target and he'd be open to the switch, but it'd likely take a huge fee to prise him away from a club who've already made big sales this summer.