Man Utd 'planning to replace David de Gea' with a goalkeeper even older than him

Manchester United have identified Yann Sommer as a potential replacement for goalkeeper David de Gea.

De Gea, 32, is under contract with United until 2023.

The club hold an option to extend his deal by a further year but are yet to exercise that clause.

It has now been claimed that the Premier League side are exploring the possibility of replacing the Spaniard.

German publication Bild, as reported by Man Utd News, claim United are considering a move for Switzerland international Sommer.

The 33-year-old currently plays for German side Borussia Monchengladbach, having signed for them in 2014, but is out of contract in 2023 and could be available on a free transfer in the summer.

United were reportedly interested in Sommer in the last window, although they ultimately signed Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka on loan.

It was claimed at the time that Sommer was not sold on competing with De Gea for the first choice position at Old Trafford.

Sommer has been capped 79 times by his country, famously saving a Kylian Mbappe penalty in last year’s Euros to send Switzerland through to the quarter finals over France.

He has won the Swiss Player of the Year Award on three separate occasions and was part of the Bundesliga Team of the Season as a result of his performances in the 2019-2020 campaign.

Could De Gea leave Manchester United?

It has been reported that De Gea would have to agree to lower his wage demands to earn a new deal at United.

A summer departure for the Spaniard would bring a twelve year stay at the club to an end.

De Gea has also endured some disappointing moments this season, including a surprise omission from Luis Enrique’s 55-player provisional World Cup squad.

He has also faced criticism for his distribution abilities, which is key to manager Erik Ten Hag's style of play.

However, he won Manchester United’s Players’ Player of the year award last season, and made his 500^th appearance for the club against Newcastle in October.

He is also one of only two players, alongside Phil Jones, still in Man Utd’s squad to have won the Premier League with the Red Devils.