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Man Utd and Bayern Munich have both opened talks with the representatives of a LaLiga regular who’s open to moving in January, and a recently confirmed exit has shed light on the real reason a move could occur.
Both Newcastle and Manchester United confirmed Martin Dubravka has returned to St. James’ Park earlier on Sunday. The Slovakian was a surprise loan signing over the summer and cost the Red Devils £2m.
Dubravka featured just twice for Man Utd and quickly fell behind Tom Heaton in the role of David de Gea’s primary back-up.
Both the Manchester Evening News and ESPN’s Rob Dawson reported United were undecided on whether Erik ten Hag would pursue a direct replacement.
Heaton is more than capable of backing up De Gea who it now appears will sign a long-term extension on potentially reduced wages.
The issue perhaps stems from the current No 3 – Nathan Bishop.
The 23-year-old lacks top flight experience and is yet to make his senior Man Utd debut. In the event of an injury or two to De Gea and/or Heaton, Man Utd’s season could lay in the hands of a player who’s never featured higher than League One level.
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer was spoken about frequently during December as a potential high class No 2. The Swiss veteran is out of contract at season’s end and Gladbach may cash in given the current window is their final chance.
MetroHowever, news on that front has gone cold over the festive period, with reports out of France now claiming Man Utd are eyeing an alternative.
Man Utd battling Bayern for Bono
FootMercato report United have ‘started discussions’ with the camp of Sevilla goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou.
Commonly referred to simply as Bono, the 31-year-old is perhaps best known for his recent heroics with Morocco at the World Cup. However, his bread and butter has come in LaLiga with Sevilla where he’s been the No 1 for the past two-and-a-half seasons.
The article claims Bono is ‘not closed’ to the idea of experiencing a new challenge ‘this winter’. However, United are not alone in opening talks, with Bayern Munich reportedly doing the same.
The Bavarians are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this month after Manuel Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident.
The report concludes Man Utd apparently want to install Bono as the new No 1 in place of De Gea if signed.
However, FootMercato’s article came before the announcement Dubravka had been recalled by Newcastle and it’d make no sense for United to extend De Gea’s contract and then relegate him to the bench.
A likelier scenario would see Bono signed as the high class deputy to De Gea Ten Hag craves.
In that scenario, Heaton would revert back to being the No 3 and Nathan Bishop could be loaned out once more. He spent last season on loan in League Two with Mansfield Town.
A potential obstacle could come in the form of Bono’s own personal pride. Indeed, he’s a regular starter in Sevilla and may take some convincing to give up the gloves for a bench role.
Yet if United can convince him to do just that, Ten Hag would certainly be landing a capable and dependable No 2.
Source:Team Talk