Manchester United are weighing up a move for a young goalkeeper from Down Under but face competition from Championship side Sunderland, according to reports.
The Red Devils recently handed former Burnley and Aston Villa shot-stopper Tom Heaton a new one-year contract after his previous deal expired. However, the veteran will be 39 by the time his new contract concludes, meaning there will be a spot to fill in the squad in his absence in the near future.
Meanwhile, Radek Vitek spent last season on loan in League Two with Accrington Stanley despite being United’s regular keeper at U21s level. Following his impressive displays in England’s fourth tier in the previous campaign, Vitek has garnered interest from League One side Shrewsbury Town.
As a result, Manchester United may be looking for a new man between the sticks to play in the U21s. Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that the English giants are keeping tabs on 17-year-old Robert Cook at Perth Glory who has been making waves in Australia.
Last summer, Erik ten Hag’s side did a deal with Sunderland to allow goalkeeper Nathan Bishop to move permanently to the Stadium of Light. It was recently announced by The Mirror that the Black Cats coughed up a fee of just £250,000 for Bishop’s services.
It was also reported by The Sun recently that, after making merely two appearances on Wearside, Sunderland were willing to allow Bishop to leave the club, but eventually opted to keep him on the books as he was sent out on loan to Wycombe Wanderers. Nevertheless, the Championship outfit see Cook as a realistic replacement and were keen to fly him over to England for talks. This has now been cast into doubt due to interest in the teenage sensation from Man United.
Writer’s View
Cook would be an excellent acquisition for whoever signs him this summer as he holds a British passport. This is music to the ears of suitors because it allows them to bypass Brexit work permit regulations which complicates deals for young players.
Sunderland were seemingly hell-bent on bringing Cook to the Stadium of Light, but now may be forced to look for an alternative after Bishop’s departure following interest from Manchester United. The option to play at Old Trafford may prove too enticing for such a young player.
