Manchester United have identified Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel as a potential transfer target while they attempt to thrash out a new deal with current No.1 David de Gea.
The Red Devils are expected to be in the market for a new shot-stopper regardless of whether or not they can agree terms with De Gea, who has been told he must reduce his £375,000-a-week wages to stay at the club.
And with clubs already making contact over a permanent deal for Dean Henderson, United are set to step up their search for De Gea's long-term replacement - with Kobel, 25, fitting the bill.
According to German outlet Blick, United have already 'expressed an interest' in Kobel, who is also on the radar of Chelsea. Tottenham are also believed to be 'thinking' of the Swiss international as they weigh up sourcing an heir to long time No.1 Hugo Lloris in the summer.
The sought-after goalkeeper has only been at the club for 18 months and is under contract until 2026, but Dortmund would like to extend Kobel's deal in order to ward off the significant transfer interest that has grown in the former Stuttgart ace over the past few months. It remains to be seen, though, if the two sides will be able to come to an agreement, with Kobel seeking a package that would potentially more than treble his current salary, which stands at around €3million.
If Kobel indicates he would like to move on, or negotiations over a new deal falter, the report outlines that the Bundesliga outfit would expect to bank between €40m (£35.2m) and €50m (£44m) for his services.
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Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund)When it comes to sourcing De Gea's long-term heir, Erik ten Hag is keen to acquire a goalkeeper who is comfortable with building play from deep; something the 32-year-old has struggled with since Ten Hag's appointment last summer.
Despite De Gea's struggle to get to grips with that aspect of Ten Hag's philosophy, the Dutchman has given the green light for Manchester United to extend the veteran's contract following a string of impressive displays over the course of the season.
The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, who was brought to the club by Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2011, has clocked up over 400 appearances for United and has already made it clear that he would consider taking a salary cut to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
De Gea has, however, rebuffed the club's first official offer as the salary which has been tabled has been deemed 'unsatisfactory', according to The Athletic. It is expected, though, that a resolution will be found with all parties keen on finding a solution.
