Karl Darlow delay doesn't bode well for Leeds, Daniel Farke may have had awkward conversation
Karl Darlow edges closer to an exit as his contract at Leeds United expires at the end of June.
The Wales international pipped Lucas Perri to the number one spot in the 2025-26 campaign, but it remains to be seen what Daniel Farke has in store for the veteran shot-stopper next season.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the 35-year-old and he may have an easy decision to make after a possibly awkward conversation with the German manager.
Farke may have told Darlow that he can't guarantee him a place in the starting lineup at Elland Road going forward, which could potentially tempt him to be a backup at Old Trafford for Spurs.
Considering how long it's taking for the Whites to confirm the Welshman's contract extension, fans should be prepared to expect his departure soon.
The delay involving the veteran goalkeeper certainly doesn't bode well, but only time will tell how his situation at Elland Road unfolds.
Daniel Farke has tough transfer call to make at Leeds United
As things stand, Perri and Alex Cairns could be Farke's only two senior goalkeeping options at Leeds next season.
The German manager has to decide whether to bolster the goalkeeping position with a quality number one or a backup option.
Relying on Perri as the first-choice shot-stopper may be a gamble after his underwhelming debut campaign at Elland Road, but he may opt to leave if Farke can't give him an opportunity to redeem himself next season.
It will be interesting to see how the West Yorkshire outfit's goalkeeping options will shape up in the summer as the 49-year-old hopes to build on the 14th-place finish in the Premier League.
Elland Road transfer plans not in doubt
Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke shared in May that there were no doubts Leeds would be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer.
The apparent lack of faith in Perri means that the Whites should be prepared to make a significant investment to sign a quality shot-stopper if Darlow leaves.
Farke would undoubtedly prefer a goalkeeper with decent ability in possession, but it remains to be seen who they can get in the summer.