Ten Hag makes Man Utd omission after club sent "cannot wait forever" warning
Manchester United have omitted goalkeeper Matej Kovar from their pre-season tour of the United States amid interest from Sparta Prague.
United have taken goalkeeping quartet Tom Heaton, Dean Henderson, Radek Vitek and Nathan Bishop with them on tour. Andre Onana will jet out to join his teammates after completing his transfer from Inter this week.
Kovar has impressed for United in their pre-season matches to date including in Erik ten Hag’s side two-goal friendly victory over Leeds last week and their 1-0 victory over Lyon on Wednesday. It appears he is likely to secure another loan exit from Old Trafford this summer.
United boss Erik ten Hag is keen to sign two new goalkeepers this summer as he aims to revamp the department at the club. Dean Henderson is likely to join Nottingham Forest in a deal worth up to £25million – although this is dependent on incomings – while David De Gea confirmed his exit from Old Trafford earlier this month.
Jack Butland has also left United to join Rangers while Tom Heaton has attracted interest from Luton Town. That has led to speculation that Kovar, who impressed on a season-long loan deal at Sparta last season, could form part of the club’s first-team squad this season.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Sparta sporting director Tomas Rosicky – a former Arsenal midfielder – has declared this week that he would be interested in bringing the goalkeeper back for this season, but the club will move onto other targets if United do not give them a prompt answer on Kovar’s future.
Kovar impressed in United's pre-season friendly wins over Leeds and Lyon (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Have Your Say! Which goalkeepers should Man Utd keep in their first-team squad this season? Tell us what you think here.
“Yes, Matej’s return is still in play. Of course, we would be very happy if Matej was still here with us,” Rosicky, told club media. “But everything has its limits, and we cannot wait forever. If Matej doesn’t come, another goalkeeper will sign.”
Kovar, 23, made 32 appearances for Czech giants Sparta last season having also enjoyed loan stints at Swindon and Burton Albion. He has also been capped up to Under-21 level by the Czech Republic. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and playing out from the back.
United also retain an interest in signing Japan international shot-stopper Zion Suzuki from Urawa Reds. Kovar’s fellow countryman Videk, 19, will be involved in the club’s pre-season tour while Bishop is expected to leave Old Trafford on a loan deal.
Strengthening the goalkeeping department has emerged as the priority for United this summer following the transfer of Mason Mount from Chelsea. United also are intent on signing a new No.9, with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund their preferred target.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
