Manchester United appear set to fail in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer in what is yet more transfer frustration for Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have so far only made three signings in the current window - Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen all having arrived at Old Trafford. United are still keen to add to their squad even further but have thus far seen their pursuits of midfield duo Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot stutter.
Numerous names continue to be linked with a switch between now and the September deadline - one of which being goalkeeper Sommer. It was suggested that the Swiss international could arrive as back-up to David de Gea following the summer exits of Dean Henderson and Lee Grant.
Sommer, 33, would represent an excellent option for the Red Devils. The 33-year-old has been Gladbach’s number one for the past seven seasons since his arrival from FC Basel, whilst the stopper has accumulated 74 appearances for the Swiss national side.
However, a move now looks unlikely to come to fruition. Despite Sommer apparently being open to leaving the Bundesliga side, he holds doubts over a move to Old Trafford in the immediate future.
It is suggested by Sky in Germany that he is ‘very flattered’ and is intrigued by a switch this summer but does not want to risk the chance of playing at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar by becoming De Gea’s understudy in Manchester.
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Sommer faces severe competition from Borussia Dortmund star Gregor Kobel on the international front so believes that rare outings in the Europa League would not do his chances any favours.
Whilst United have expressed their interest in the Swiss international, it appears that they have also considered further options to bolster their goalkeeping options.
Leeds United star Ilan Meslier has been linked with a move, although the Yorkshire side appear unlikely to allow the Frenchman to complete a switch. Everton ’s Asmir Begovic has also emerged as a potential option according to The Telegraph.
The 35-year-old has been at Goodison Park since the beginning of last season having become the back-up to Jordan Pickford. The Bosnian international has made just seven appearances for the Toffees since but would bring plenty of experience having previously represented the likes of Bournemouth, Stoke City, Chelsea and Portsmouth in the Premier League, whilst he also enjoyed a brief loan spell with Italian giants AC Milan.
In the meantime, United’s current number one De Gea has endured a nightmare start to the new season with the Red Devils having lost each of their opening two games - the Spaniard making a number of mistakes in the thumping at the hands of Brentford.
