Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Fabrizio Romano confirms Bayern attempts to hijack Man Utd deal, with Aston Villa ace no longer required

Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer

Bayern Munich will not sign an Aston Villa ace currently in the headlines, with Fabrizio Romano claiming a player Man Utd have held talks with is one of two options they’re now pursuing ahead of an emergency January swoop.

The German giant are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper next month following Manuel Neuer’s unfortunate accident. The veteran goalkeeper embarked on a skiing holiday in the aftermath of Germany’s early World Cup exit. However, the 36-year-old suffered a broken leg on the trip that has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

There had been talk Bayern could therefore swoop for Aston Villa’s man of the moment, Emiliano Martinez.

The Argentine was outstanding for the eventual winners in Qatar. Indeed, despite shipping a hattrick to Kylian Mbappe in the final, Martinez made a critical late save from Randal Kolo Muani, saved a penalty in the shoot-out, and was then awarded the Golden Glove (best goalkeeper in the tournament).

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on the claims that originated in French outlet MediaFoot.

He tweeted Bayern are ‘not working to sign’ Martinez despite the speculation, concluding there are ‘no talks ongoing’.

That news will be greeted warmly at Villa Park, though has ramifications over at Old Trafford.

Man Utd plan threatened by Bayern

Manchester United’s goalkeeping department could experience major change in 2023. United opted against triggering David de Gea’s one-year extension, with Romano later reporting the idea is to offer a longer-term deal.

De Gea’s position as the No 1 thus appears secure, though those below him are at Erik ten Hag’s mercy.

The Dutchman is known to be seeking a high class back-up and Yann Sommer is the player he’s settled on.

The 33-year-old has been a dependable performer for many a year with Borussia Monchengladbach and Switzerland. He’s also about to enter the last six months of his deal and various outlets have detailed Man Utd opening talks.

ESPN and Sky Germany were among the outlets to report on the matter, with TEAMtalk later able to confirm talks were indeed ongoing.

Sommer’s potential arrival would ensure loanee Martin Dubravka returns to Newcastle – potentially six months early in January if Sommer arrived next month.

Tom Heaton would likely become the new No 3, with Nottingham Forest loanee Dean Henderson becoming the odd man out.

However, Romano stressed Sommer is firmly on Bayern’s radar and is one of two goalkeepers they’ve identified as ideal stop-gaps to Neuer.

The other is Alexander Nubel who is actually on Bayern’s books already, though is out on loan with Monaco.

If Bayern do move for Sommer – who is vastly more experienced than Nubel in the Bundesliga – United will have to step up their own pursuit and how badly they want the Swiss will quickly become clear.

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