Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak amid growing uncertainty around David de Gea’s future.
Sky Sports report that United have taken an interest in Oblak as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks for reinforcements between the sticks at the end of the season.
De Gea’s future at Old Trafford is hanging in the balance, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly earmarking a sizeable budget to land the Spaniard in the summer.
Dean Henderson, who deputised for the 30-year-old in the past seven days, has demonstrated his capability to step up when called into action.
Though Solskjaer has one of the most highly-rated up-and-coming goalkeepers in world football at his disposal, he seems keen to bring in a proven star.
Widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe, Oblak has made over 280 appearances for Atletico since signing from Benfica in 2014.
United would like to see the 28-year-old follow in the footsteps of de Gea, who switched Madrid for Old Trafford in 2011.
However, Diego Simeone is unwilling to let his stalwart leave in the summer, hence the release clause set at £103 million.
With a host of Europe’s elite clubs dealing with the financial fallout of the coronavirus crisis, it is tough to believe that United will be able to fork out such a figure on a keeper.
United monitor two alternatives
The Red Devils are also keeping a close eye on AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Lille’s Mike Maignan.
The Italian keeper is out of contract at the San Siro in the summer, with the parties locked in extension talks for months.
Donnarumma’s agent Mino Raiola continues to insist on a release clause to be included in his client’s new deal, while the Rossoneri seem reluctant to agree to those terms.
Unless they can find an agreement before the end of the ongoing season, the 22-year-old will be free to join the club of his choosing in the summer.
Meanwhile, Maignan remains a possible solution for Solskjaer’s idea of recruiting a world-class goalkeeper after enjoying a couple of sumptuous seasons in Ligue 1.
The 25-year-old is a more affordable option than Oblak and has less than two years left on his contract at Lille.
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