Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak plays international football for Slovenia
Tracking Oblak
Manchester United are “seriously considering” a move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The Daily Mirror reports that United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is apparently ready to trigger his release clause. With David de Gea’s form suffering United have begun the search for a new gloveman and 26-year-old Oblak fits the bill.
The Slovenian international joined the Spanish club from Benfica in 2014, and the Mirror reports that while Oblak recently signed a new contract with Atletico his buy-out clause only increased from £86m to £104m. That falls within United’s budget and it’s expected that they will make an approach in the summer.
However, warns the Mirror, there could be a “serious obstacle” for the Red Devils in their pursuit of Oblak, namely what European competition they’re playing in next season.
It’s said that the shotstopper “would only be prepared to move to a team guaranteed Champions League football”, and at the moment United look likely to finish outside the top four of the Premier League.
De Gea to Paris?
As for the future of De Gea, the Daily Mirror says that Paris Saint-Germain aren’t put off by the Spanish gloveman’s slump in form and they would be happy to host him in the French capital.
The Mirror says that PSG are putting together a package to lure De Gea from Old Trafford, and that includes “a staggering £450,000-a-week until 2024 that will see his wages more than double”.
Rakitic’s rebuff
Croatia international Ivan Rakitic has dismissed suggestions that he could be ready to quit the Camp Nou for Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old Barcelona midfielder has been mooted as a Man Utd target for several weeks, and there has also been rumours of interest from Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
But Goal.com reports that despite the imminent arrival of Ajax ace Frenkie De Jong, Rakitic, who is contracted to the Catalan giants until 2021, is determined to stay and fight for his place in the Barcelona side.
“I don't want to be anywhere else,” he declared. “I hope the club, the president, the coach and the fans see this the same way I do. I hope they tell me that I’ll stay here for another three years.”
Deal for De Ligt?
According to The Sun, United could sign Matthijs de Ligt “for less than £65m”.
The Ajax captain leads his men into action against Tottenham on Tuesday night in the Champions League semi-final first leg, and it could be one of the 19-year-old’s last appearances in an Ajax shirt.
Juventus, Liverpool and Real Madrid are all tailing the Dutch sensation, but United are said to be favourites to land the teenager.
Asked about his future, De Ligt replied: “It’s up to Ajax - it’s not something that I decide. We shall see.”
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