Manchester United have reportedly decided against a move for Borussia Monchengladbach's Yann Sommer, with a new policy in place for the club's goalkeeping department.
United were linked with signing the Swiss goalkeeper, who is out of contract in 2023. Last month, German outlet Bild claimed the club were considering Sommer as a replacement for De Gea.
De Gea is out of contract at Old Trafford in the summer, although the club does hold an additional year's extension to take it up to 2024.
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However, one of the main stumbling blocks for United is their reported desire to reduce De Gea's wage if he is to stay at the club. The 32-year-old is one of the Red Devils' highest earners, and triggering the extension would retain him on his current wage.
Earlier this week, it was claimed by The Telegraph that the Spaniard had agreed to a pay cut in order to sign a new contract at the club, which would extend his 12-year stay at Old Trafford.
According to talkSPORT, meanwhile, United intensified their efforts to sign Sommer earlier this week, with the Red Devils hoping to convince Gladbach to allow him to leave for a 'knockdown price' in January.
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However, plans appear to have changed for United, and they are set to go in a different direction.
Man Utd turn down move for Sommer
Fabrizio Romano has revealed on his Daily Briefing that, after internal discussions, United are no longer focusing on bringing in Sommer as their new goalkeeper.
It is instead claimed that the club are focused on committing De Gea to a new contract, a process perhaps helped by the Spaniard's reported desire to agree to a pay cut.
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Romano stated: "Manchester United discussed Yann Sommer internally but never opened concrete talks.
"United are working to extend David de Gea's contract, talks are ongoing."
Erik ten Hag's side have also completed the signing of Jack Butland on loan from Crystal Palace until the end of the season.
His current contract expires at the end of the season, although Palace do have an option to extend it by a year, as per The Athletic. Therefore, United could purchase the England international at the end of the campaign.
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Any deal for Butland could rule out the need for any more competition for De Gea, who now looks closer than ever to staying at Old Trafford beyond the summer.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Premier League, Transfers, Manchester United