MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a transfer blow in their bid to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
United are keeping tabs on Sommer during the January transfer window amid doubts over David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils, though, are facing intense competition from Bayern Munich who are looking for someone to fill in for Manuel Neuer, who broke his leg in a skiing accident.
But Gladbach director Roland Virkus insists the Switzerland international, who is also targeted by Inter Milan, won’t be allowed to leave the Borussia-Park mid-season..
Virkus told the Rheinische Post: “We will not let Yann Sommer go in January. We have also informed Bayern.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Bayern have taken the message and will consider recalling Alexander Nubel from his loan stint at Monaco.
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Romano tweeted: “Sommer remains a target for Inter as a free agent for June.
“FC Bayern will now focus on Alex Nubel deal with Monaco.”
United are preparing a contingency plan in case De Gea doesn’t sign a new contract in June when his current deal runs out.
However, recent reports suggest the Spain international is willing to accept a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.
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The Red Devils have the option to extend De Gea’s 12-year stay but are having doubts due to his huge salary.
The Manchester giants will instead enter into discussions with the Spaniard and his representatives “in an attempt to persuade him to pen fresh terms on reduced wages”.
But the shot-stopper is prepared to accept the salary cut in order to stay.
That would save United the trouble of signing a new goalkeeper especially after landing Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
