Darlow, 35, is out of contract at Leeds United at the end of June after a season in which he displaced Lucas Perri as number one and helped the Yorkshire club retain their Premier League status.
The Athletic reports that Manchester United are weighing up an approach for the Wales international, attracted by his availability, experience, and homegrown status under Premier League squad rules.
The move would be a backup acquisition rather than a headline signing. Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens established himself as first choice at Old Trafford following his £18 million arrival from Royal Antwerp last summer, earning the Premier League Transfer of the Season award. He is going nowhere.
Behind Lammens, the situation is messier. Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir are both expected to leave this summer, with neither currently part of manager Michael Carrick's plans. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Bayindir's exit is being planned, with a return to the Turkish Super Lig the likely destination. Onana's £120,000-a-week salary and profile make him a difficult player to keep on the bench.
Tom Heaton, 40, has signed a new one-year contract to remain as third choice, but United still want a reliable deputy for Lammens.
Darlow is not the only option. The Athletic also identifies Sam Johnstone, the former United academy product currently at Wolverhampton Wanderers, as a shortlist candidate. Wolves were relegated to the Championship last season, potentially making a move back to Old Trafford in a backup role more attractive than playing in the second tier.
Tottenham Hotspur are also understood to be monitoring Darlow, giving him leverage over any potential deal despite the limited nature of the role on offer.
Darlow made 22 appearances for Leeds in the 2025-26 season and was described as outstanding during the run-in. He joined Leeds from Newcastle United in 2023.
A goalkeeper search is not the story driving United's summer. Left-back and central midfield are the primary targets as Carrick's squad prepares for European football. But getting the backup position right matters — particularly when the incumbent No.2 options have both been cleared out.