Manchester United plot move for Dortmund star Gregor Kobel as Erik ten Hag makes David de Gea stance clear

Manchester United are interested in signing goalkeeper Gregor Kobel from Borussia Dortmund, according to a new report.

The Swiss international has kept 10 clean sheets in 25 Bundesliga games for Dortmund this season, with the German club conceding 16 goals in the seven games Kobel hasn't played in.

His performances have attracted attention from other top European sides, with German outlet Bild claiming last month that Chelsea had identified the goalkeeper as a target to replace both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Kobel joined Dortmund in the summer of 2021 from Stuttgart, signing a five-year contract. As a result, BVB are under little pressure to sell the goalkeeper.

But a new report claims United could test their resolve - and the reason for manager Erik ten Hag's pursuit of the player has been identified.

Man Utd interested in Kobel transfer

According to The Independent, United are preparing to launch a move for Kobel this summer.

It is claimed that Ten Hag wants competition for current number one goalkeeper David de Gea, who is in talks over a new contract at Old Trafford.

But the pursuit of Kobel appears to make the Dutchman's stance on a goalkeeper clear, with the Swiss shot-stopper exceptionally capable when it comes to distribution.

That is an area of weakness in De Gea's game, although Ten Hag has credited him for his progression under his coaching this season.

As per WhoScored, only two goalkeepers - Bayern Munich's Yann Sommer and RB Leipzig's Janis Blaswich - have recorded a higher pass completion percentage than the Dortmund goalkeeper next season.

United have also been linked with a move for 34-year-old Sommer. Bild reporter Christian Falk claims that the shot-stopper has a 'gentleman's agreement' contained in his Bayern contract that will allow him to leave the club this summer if Manuel Neuer regains his place as the number one goalkeeper upon his return from a broken leg next season.

The Swiss international is ahead of his compatriot Kobel in the national team pecking order, and started all four of his nation's games at the World Cup in Qatar.