Manchester United report: Red Devils intensify efforts to sign Yann Sommer

Manchester United-linked Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer gestures during his country's match against Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
(Image credit: Stefan Matzke – sampics/Corbis via Getty Images)

Manchester United are reportedly trying to sign Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer from Borussia Monchengladbach, having seen Martin Dubravka recalled from his loan spell by Newcastle after only four months.

Sommer has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for a little while now, with his contract in Germany expiring at the end of the season – prompting talk of a free transfer in the summer.

According to talkSPORT, though, United are hopeful of snapping up the 34-year-old for a bargain price this month.

Martin Dubravka of Manchester United applauds during the Carabao Cup match between Manchester United and Aston Villa on 10 November, 2022 at Old Trafford in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Dubravka made two appearances for United, both in the Carabao Cup (Image credit: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)

Switzerland's number one for the past three major tournaments, Sommer has won 80 caps for his country and played all four of their games at the 2022 World Cup – where they were thumped 6-1 by Portugal in the last 16.

He joined Borussia Monchengladbach from Basel in 2014 and has gone on to make over 300 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, featuring in three Champions League campaigns.

Dubravka's departure has left United with just two senior 'keepers: David de Gea and the veteran Tom Heaton.

Youngster Nathan Bishop has been named on the bench for two Premier League matches this term, but Erik ten Hag will surely want the assurance of some extra seniority between the sticks.

Yann Sommer of Borussia Monchengladbach collects the ball during the Bundesliga match between Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach on 27 August, 2022 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

Sommer in action for Borussia Monchengladbach (Image credit: Stefan Matzke – sampics/Corbis via Getty Images)

Sommer – who won four consecutive top-flight titles in Switzerland with Basel – is valued by Transfermarkt at around £4.5m.

However, it has been reported by The Telegraph that United are already in talks with Crystal Palace over a loan deal for ex-England shot-stopper Jack Butland, casting some doubt over the Sommer speculation.

More Manchester United stories

Erik ten Hag has made winning trophies with his 'professional New Year's resolution' for 2023; United haven't claimed any silverware since the League Cup and Europa League under Jose Mourinho some six years ago.

Meanwhile, new Liverpool signing Cody Gakpo has admitted that he thought he would be moving to Old Trafford back in the summer.

Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...