Manchester United are weighing up a move for Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
The Canada-born Morocco international has been one of the best keepers in La Liga in this campaign and is in fierce competition with Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois for accolade of goalkeeper of the season.
United have been watching Bounou for several months and are understood to have asked to be kept abreast of his situation at his club. Bounou, 29, has two years to run on his deal with Sevilla from the end of this season and it will cost around £25million to trigger the release clause in that contract.
Sevilla’s directors are aware of interest in their keeper and they are keen to extend his deal for a further two years, In any new deal, they would insert a release clause of around £63m. Atletico Madrid are also keen to sign the keeper and there is also interest in him from a number of clubs in Serie A.
United first choice David de Gea recently entered the final 18 months of his contract at Old Trafford which may tempt United to cash in on him and bring in a new goalkeeper depending on whoever is appointed manager at the club during the summer. Although De Gea recently claimed he is very happy in Manchester and hinted that he would be willing to sign a new deal with the Red Devils.
He said: "I like the fact I was born in Madrid, but at the end of the day, it's just a city. Now I feel as if I'm from Manchester; I just feel like anyone else from Manchester. Where you are loved and welcomed is your home. I've been here for many years and, obviously, anything can happen in life, in the world of football, but honestly, I don't see myself away from Manchester United."
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Meanwhile, Spain coach Luis Enrique has indicated he left De Gea out of his latest Spain squad because he is not entirely suited to their style of football. De Gea was a notable absentee from the 23-man squad Enrique announced to face Albania and Iceland in upcoming international friendlies over the international break.
Enrique named three goalkeepers in his squad and rather than select De Gea has handed a first call-up to Brentford's David Raya. Spain's first choice Unai Simon and Brighton's Robert Sanchez have filled the two other goalkeeping spots in Enrique's squad. "It is part of the tracing we do with the goalkeepers," Enrique said, in relation to Raya's first call-up.
"He is a player who is doing very well. I really want to see it in the context of the selection. He has the necessary profile to play with us." De Gea has been one of the standout performers for the Red Devils this season but having not played for Spain since October 2020 his place at the World Cup in Qatar later this year is in question.
