Manchester United reportedly have a new No 1 goalkeeper target in their sights amid mounting fears that David De Gea will leave the club this summer.
The Red Devils are in talks with the long-serving Spaniard over a new deal and in an effort to extend his stay at Old Trafford. Having signed way back in summer 2011, De Gea is comfortably the club’s longest-serving star. But with 529 appearances to his name, there are fears that this will be his 12th and final season at the club.
Indeed, his deal at Old Trafford is due to expire this summer, though the club do hold a one-year option to extend that.
But United are seeking to offer him a vastly-reduced deal on his current £375,000 a week wages. As comfortably the club’s highest-earner, Ten Hag wants De Gea to accept a much-lower package and keep him in line with other top earners at the club.
To that end, reports emerged earlier this season that Ten Hag is setting a wage limit of £250,000 a week to ensure there is no jealously among his players.
However, it emerged on Wednesday that De Gea has rejected United’s initial contract offer, leading to fears that he could quit.
Ten Hag, though, still hopes a resolution can be found, having decided he is more than happy for De Gea to continue as their No 1.
But fears are mounting that this week’s contract offer, amid claims in The Athletic that the offer was ‘unsatisfactory’.
And while talks could yet continue to find an agreement, Ten Hag fears the 32-year-old’s initial rejection could lead to his summer departure.
Man Utd target move for Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel
The news will come as a major blow for Ten Hag, who was not budgeting for a new goalkeeper this season. Indeed, he was prioritising deals elsewhere, but may now be forced to shop for a new No 1 in a move that could sting his summer plans.
Furthermore, with a decision also already made on an ‘upset’ Dean Henderson, United will be forced into action.
Now according to German outlet Blick, United are stepping up their chase to land Borussia Dortmund Gregor Kobel.
The Switzerland international has only been at the club since summer 2021, moving from Stuttgart.
However, his form has earned him rave reviews with Tottenham also casting their eyes on him as Hugo Lloris’ successor.
His deal with BVB runs until 2026, but the Bundesliga side are ready to discuss an extension and offer him a pay-rise off the back of his excellent form.
But the report suggests he could be tempted by a move to Old Trafford were Ten Hag to make his move.
He currently earns a salary worth €3m a year – around £50,000 a week – and knows he could easily double his wages moving to the Premier League.
De Gea exit to impact Man Utd transfer plans
Dortmund will now have to decide what their keeper is worth in their talks to convince him to stay.
Were United to make a move, the report claims Borussia Dortmund value Kobel at between €40m (£35.2m) and €50m (£44m).
That is a price within United’s budget, but may well impact Ten Hag’s plans elsewhere.
The United boss wants to sign a new big-name striker and also plans to strengthen his midfield and defence.
But the hunt for a new goalkeeper will also put additional emphasis on player sales with a number of unwanted stars to be shown the door.
Indeed, the likes of Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Alex Telles and Henderson will likely leave. Should United be forced to sell De Gea, the club will consider triggering his contract extension to ensure they get a fee.
As it stands though, and unless an agreement on a new deal can be reached, it seems United will have to prepare to replace the long-serving Spaniard.
