Man Utd 'prepared to pay release clause' to sign new goalkeeper as Erik ten Hag decision made

Manchester United are prepared to meet the release clause of Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic to complete their first piece of summer transfer business, according to a new report.

Livakovic is Croatia's number one goalkeeper, with the shot-stopper having collected 43 caps for his country.

He was an ever-present in the side that reached the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar and was one of the goalkeepers of the tournament, having been part of the squad that got to the final four years earlier in Russia.

At 28 years of age, Livakovic has plenty of experience, and regularly plays in Europe with Zagreb.

The club emerged through three qualifying rounds to reach the Champions League group stage this season, where they defeated Chelsea 1-0 on the opening gameweek.

That was their only win of the campaign, although they did suffer only narrow defeats to Chelsea and RB Salzburg later in the group stage.

Now, it appears that United are ready to bring in one of the club's key players.

Livakovic to Man Utd?

According to Croatian outlet Jutarnji (via Sport Witness), United are willing to pay Livakovic's release clause to entice him to Old Trafford.

His release clause is said to stand at just €8.9 million, which would make it a more than affordable deal for Erik ten Hag's side to complete in order to sign one of Europe's top shot-stoppers.

Furthermore, the report claims that Livakovic has been targeted due to uncertainty over David de Gea's future at Old Trafford, with the Spaniard's contract due to expire at the end of the season. However, it is unclear whether the Croatian would move to the club to become their new number one.

If the 28-year-old does complete a move, he would be the first Croatian player to represent United at senior level.

And with the same outlet reporting that he has not yet signed a new contract with Dinamo, Ten Hag may need to act quickly to trigger the release clause and ensure that Livakovic becomes the first piece of summer business that United get over the line.

Topics: Manchester United, David De Gea, Transfers, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.