Manchester United could make Bayern Munich goalkeeper Yann Sommer their first signing in the upcoming transfer window after a 'gentleman's agreement' was revealed.
The Switzerland shot-stopper moved to the Allianz Arena in January, signing a contract until the summer of 2025.
Bayern had to act quickly to bring the 34-year-old in to the club, following the broken leg suffered by number one goalkeeper Manuel Neuer that was scheduled to rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.
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Sommer has played every game for the German giants in the Bundesliga since signing as Neuer continues his recovery.
The 2014 World Cup winner is now back on the training pitch this week as he nears a return, but says he does not have a specific date in mind for his comeback to the team.
He told Bayern's official website: "I'm satisfied. We're not setting ourselves a schedule. I'm trying to push the boundaries, to get the maximum out of everything so I can progress and move forward as quickly as possible."
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Should Neuer, who turned 37 in March, make a successful return to action, he could resume his role as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.
That would relegate Sommer to reserve duties - and if that is the case, a transfer this summer appears to be likely.
Sommer 'gentleman's agreement' revealed
According to Bild reporter Christian Falk, Sommer's contract contains a 'gentleman's agreement' that he can depart the Allianz Arena if Neuer displaces him as the club's number one.
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It is claimed that Bayern would want a return on the £7 million they paid to sign the goalkeeper from Borussia Monchengladbach in January - likely the full amount.
ESPN reported in December that United were working on a deal that would see Sommer move to Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer. At the time, his Monchengladbach contract was about to enter its final six months.
Ten Hag's side were unable to secure his signature, but it is reported that the club are still keen on signing Sommer as competition or as a replacement for David de Gea.
The 'gentleman's agreement' would likely make a deal for the 34-year-old relatively simple to complete - but only if they were to offer him first team football.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / dpa/Alamy Live News / Action Plus SportsTopics: Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Transfers, David De Gea