BUNDESLIGA giants Bayer Leverkusen have signed ex-Swindon Town loanee, Matej Kovar from Manchester United in a deal believed to be worth almost £8 million.

Kovar has signed a four-year contract with Xabi Alonso's team and will wear the number 17 for the coming campaign.

The 23-year-old joined United's youth system in 2018 and has experienced a loan spell at Town as well as Burton Albion and Sparta Prague.

His stint with the Robins began in August of 2020 and stretched until January 2021 before being sent back to Old Trafford as a result of several poor performances.

After making his professional debut on August 5 against Charlton Athletic in the League Cup, Kovar went on to play 18 times in League One while adding a further appearance in each of the three domestic cup competitions.

The Czech Republic international returned to his parent club in the January transfer window and was later named in the Red Devils' Premier League squad list at the start of the 2021/22 season.

Kovar signed a new contract with United in January 2022 but was sent out on loan again in League One, this time to Burton where he made only six appearances but kept four clean sheets.

After this impressive spell, Kovar was sent to the Iron Sparta on a season long loan in 22/23, where he helped them towards their first Czech league title since 2014.

In this tenure, he made 34 appearances while keeping 11 clean sheets, making a name for himself in his home country.

The 23-year-old returned to United for the start of pre-season, where he featured during wins against Lyon and Leeds United.

Kovar impressed in the 1-0 against the French side, yet despite doing well after starting the game, the goalkeeper was not named in United's trip to the USA, hinting that he was up for sale.

After his displays against Leeds and Lyon, many clubs were reportedly interested in the Czech-born 'keeper, one of these being Aston Villa - who were ready to put a bid on the table.

However, they were too slow to bite the bullet and Leverkusen swooped to complete a deal, with the goalkeeper ready to begin his new journey in German football this season.