Manchester United: Karl Darlow has joined on a free transfer after leaving Leeds

Manchester United have signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a two-year deal, with an option to extend for a further season.

The move could lead to the Old Trafford exit of Turkish international Altay Beyendir, who came close to joining Besiktas in January.

Darlow’s contract at Leeds expired this summer and although he was offered a new deal, he opted to switch across the Pennines. Leeds did not mention rivals Manchester United in their own statement.

“Leeds United can confirm that Carl Darlow has left the club following the expiry of his contract to pursue opportunities elsewhere,” Leeds said in a statement.

“Despite being offered a new contract to stay in West Yorkshire, the goalkeeper wanted to seek a different challenge and left the Whites to the best of luck at Elland Road.”

Darlow finished the season as Daniel Farke’s first-choice keeper.

The 35-year-old has played a total of 279 games and has 15 caps at international club level for Wales.

He said, I am very proud to have signed for Manchester United.

“I’m joining an excellent group of goalkeepers and I’m really looking forward to everyone pushing each other so that we can maintain the highest standards that this club demands.”

Darlow is likely to start the season as first-choice Seine Lammens’ deputy.

With Lammens taking a three-week break following Belgium’s World Cup campaign, Darlow is set to play a role in Manchester United’s pre-season, which begins against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18.