Manchester United have reportedly been given a boost ahead of a potential move for Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
The Red Devils have never been short of options between the sticks since 2011 with David de Gea being part of the ranks at Old Trafford.
De Gea has made a total of 507 appearances in all competitions, including 20 during the current campaign with Dean Henderson having been allowed to join Nottingham Forest on loan.
However, the long-term future of the 32-year-old is very much in doubt with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
Furthermore, De Gea did not feature among a quartet of players who had their 12-month options activated in their respective deals on Wednesday.
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Recently, it has been alleged that United may take the opportunity to get De Gea's lucrative wages off their books rather than committing to a further year with the Spaniard at the club.
While there has been a suggestion that De Gea taking a wage cut may see fresh terms penned before the end of the season, United continue to be linked with alternative options.
One of the stoppers said to be on their shortlist is Sommer, who is also in line to be out of contract in the summer after a prolonged spell at his current club.
According to Bild, the veteran would be open to signing for United over other clubs in the summer.
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The 34-year-old, who has just made three appearances for Switzerland at the World Cup, has also been linked with a switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have emerged as a realistic destination, at least in the short term, with Manuel Neuer having been ruled out with injury until 2023-24.
A scenario could play out where the Bundesliga leaders sign Sommer for a cut-price fee in January before his departure from the Allianz Arena later in the year.
United were said to have had an interest in Sommer before the start of the ongoing campaign before they eventually brought in Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka on loan.
Darren Plant
