Manchester United are preparing to sign a new goalkeeper this summer and have been keeping tabs on a number of possible options including Jan Oblak – but the Atletico Madrid keeper may prove too expensive.
United have been tracking Oblak for more than a year and they are ramping up their analysis of the summer transfer market, with growing uncertainty over the future of David de Gea and Sergio Romero almost certain to leave the club.
De Gea has returned to Spain for the birth of his first child, and reports suggested the United number one is thinking again about a permanent move back to Madrid, where his wife works as a television presenter.
His paternity leave has allowed Dean Henderson a run of games to try and establish himself as the new number one but, even if he proves successful, United are looking to sign another ‘keeper this summer.
Among the options they are assessing are also reported to include Gianluigi Donnarumma, who will become a free agent at the end of the campaign unless a new contract is agreed.
Oblak has a £103m release clause in his Atletico contract, which has two years left to run, and, after the impact of coronavirus, it appears too expensive for the richest teams in the world in 2021.
De Gea’s idea to return to Madrid may give United leverage, however, if his valuation can help to reduce the cost for Oblak. The Spain international has at least two years left to run on his deal.
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Henderson’s opportunity to show his first-choice credentials over the coming weeks will have a huge impact on United’s movements, with Oblak certain to want the number one jersey.
The goalkeeper market is set to be a busy one this summer, with Spurs reported to be looking into options due to Hugo Lloris entering the last year of his contract and linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, who also have an interest in De Gea.
