Manchester United suffer blow in Yann Sommer pursuit?

Manchester United have reportedly suffered a blow in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

The Red Devils are exploring the market for a new shot-stopper with current number one David de Gea out of contract at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has made a total of 510 appearances between the sticks since joining United back in 2011, but his long-term future at the club is believed to be uncertain.

After back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was recalled by Newcastle United six months early from his loan spell at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag is expected to delve into the January market to find cover for De Gea, and will also consider recruiting a long-term replacement for the Spaniard.

United are understood to have had 34-year-old Sommer on their radar since the summer and a recent report claims that they have entered negotiations with the Switzerland international over a proposed transfer.

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However, German news outlet Suddeutsche Zeitung reports that Sommer has informed Monchengladbach of his desire to join Bayern Munich in the January transfer window.

Bayern are in the market for a short-term replacement for veteran shot-stopper Manuel Neuer, who broke his leg during a skiing accident shortly after representing Germany at the 2022 World Cup.

Neuer is now ruled out for the rest of the 2022-23 campaign and the perennial Bundesliga champions have included Sommer on their shortlist of targets along with Sevilla's Yassine Bounou and Eintracht Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp.

The report adds that Monchengladbach are resigned to losing Sommer, who is out of contract in June, while Sky Germany claims that Copenhagen's Mathew Ryan has already been lined up as his replacement.

Man United are also said to be on the lookout for a new centre-forward this month after Cristiano Ronaldo's contract was terminated at the end of November, but Ten Hag has insisted that any potential January signings must match the club's 'sporting and financial criteria'.

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Speaking to reporters last week, Ten Hag said: "I think we have a squad. We have the players who are matching our criteria. But with all the games that are coming, it is tough competition in all the leagues.

"But if you want to also be in all the leagues and keep playing in all the leagues by winning games and cups as well. So, you need players, you need numbers to cover.

"So, we need good players. Not only numbers, you need quality players to cover that and also that you need competition. And you need also that you can make tactical choices.

"So, we are looking for the right player for our squad and has to match our sporting criteria but also our financial criteria."

United have also been credited with an interest in Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, as well as Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier.