Manchester United are closing in on a permanent agreement for Radek Vitek to join Middlesbrough, with the club reportedly protecting themselves by inserting a buy-back clause into the deal.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper has been searching for regular first-team football after returning from an impressive loan spell with Bristol City.
Middlesbrough have now moved into pole position to provide it.
The Manchester Evening News reports that United are close to agreeing Vitek’s permanent departure, with a buy-back clause included to give the club an opportunity to bring him back to Old Trafford in the future.
No transfer fee has yet been confirmed.
Radek Vitek move gives Man Utd long-term protection
Vitek joined United from Sigma Olomouc in 2020 but has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for the club.
His prospects of doing so this season are limited after Senne Lammens established himself as first choice and Karl Darlow arrived to provide experienced cover.
Vitek has already made his own priorities clear.
talkSPORT reported that the Czech goalkeeper wants to play every week after he kept 12 clean sheets during an impressive Championship loan with Bristol City last season.
He said during pre-season that his goal was to find somewhere he could become a No.1, whether that required another loan or a permanent departure.
Middlesbrough now appear ready to give him that opportunity.
United have faced this decision throughout the summer. ReadManUtd previously examined Vitek’s future after several clubs began tracking him, with his development reaching a point where another season without regular starts would make little sense.
A permanent sale carries greater risk than another loan because Vitek remains highly rated.
Including a buy-back clause significantly reduces that concern.
United can allow him to establish himself as a first-choice Championship goalkeeper while retaining a route to bring him back if his development continues at Middlesbrough.
The deal is not yet officially complete, but talks are advanced and Vitek now appears increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford permanently.
