Manchester United have held talks with the agent of Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, reports SPORT1.
The Red Devils have started to prepare for life without David de Gea with research on a new keeper undertaken ever since Erik ten Hag took over at Old Trafford.
Man United have identified Kobel as the perfect successor to the Spaniard and are reportedly eyeing a concrete move. As per SPORT1, they met with the representative of the 25-year-old last week in London.
The Switzerland international has established himself as arguably the best goalie in the Bundesliga this term.
Kobel has kept 11 clean sheets in 24 games across all competitions this season.
He is currently out with a knock, which contributed to Dortmund’s Champions League exit.
The Swiss shut Chelsea out in the first leg of their round of 16 tie but was unavailable for selection in the second leg.
Man Utd face competition
Man United are not the only club keeping tabs on Kobel.
Chelsea are also keen, but the German club are uninterested in selling him anytime soon.
His current contract ends in 2026 and there is no release clause in it.
Kobel also wants to remain with Dortmund for one more season and win silverware with them.
De Gea’s contract ends in 2024 and Man United want him to sign an extension on reduced wages.
Despite his extraordinary reflexes, the Spaniard has struggled with the ball at his feet.
The 32-year-old has been with the Old Trafford club since 2011 and has kept the most clean sheets (182) in their history.
He has not shown signs of slowing down yet, but the Red Devils know a ball-playing goalie would make them better.
