Manchester United target 'better off' at Leeds United amid transfer tussle

A goalkeeper is facing a crucial decision over his future as he weighs competing offers from Leeds United and Manchester United, having become available after his contract expired on June 30.

The goalkeeper, who began last season as back-up to Lucas Perri before starting the final 17 Premier League matches, has been in negotiations with Leeds and their bitter rivals Manchester United.

The Red Devils are looking for a back-up to Senne Lemmens and have alighted upon Darlow and Sam Johnstone as possibilities. However, former Leeds striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has warned the goalkeeper against opting to swap his potential starting role at Elland Road for bench duty at Old Trafford.

Hasselbaink, who scored 42 goals in two seasons for Leeds, has made his position clear. Speaking to 10bet, he said: "Oh gosh I'm biased aren't I? I'm biased so I would tell him to stay at Leeds. If he goes to Spurs or Manchester United he's just going to sit on the bench."

The former striker's concerns centre on the prospect of limited playing time at either club. "He might end up as the third-choice goalkeeper at United or Spurs," Hasselbaink continued. "At least at Leeds he's going to be the number two or pushing to play."

The goalkeeper's potential starting role at Leeds stands in stark contrast to the likely bench duty he would face at Old Trafford, where competition for places is fierce.

The decision represents a crucial moment in the player's career, with Hasselbaink's advice pointing towards remaining at Elland Road to secure regular first-team football rather than spending the season as a squad backup at one of England's biggest clubs.