Middlesbrough in talks to sign Man United goalkeeper Radek Vitek

Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season, losing 1–0 to Hull City in May's Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.

The Teessiders became the first-ever team to lose both the final and semi-final of the play-offs in the same campaign, after receiving a bye to the final due to Southampton being caught and punished for spying on their opposition.

Kim Hellberg's side now face another opportunity to bid for promotion and are looking to strengthen both ends of the pitch.

The club's striker situation has been addressed with the £20 million signing of Tottenham Hotspur centre forward Will Lankshear. Middlesbrough will now look to replace starting goalkeeper Sol Brynn, who has not inspired full confidence in the defence during his time at the Riverside.

Interest in Radek Vitek

According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas on X, Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek is of interest to Middlesbrough. While a deal is not expected to be straightforward, talks are in their early stages.

Radek Vitek could be a clever signing for Middlesbrough as Kim Hellberg looks to build a squad capable of winning promotion from the Championship.

The 22-year-old spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Bristol City, keeping 12 clean sheets across 41 Championship appearances.

Last season, issues in goal and up front cost Middlesbrough, and both areas are being addressed in this transfer window. Radek Vitek may view a move to the North East as an attractive opportunity—to play under a manager well-liked by the Boro fanbase and backed in the transfer market.

Manchester United would benefit from any transfer fee received, following the signing of Karl Darlow from Leeds United as their back-up goalkeeper.

This article first appeared on centredevils and was syndicated with permission.