Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag could show his 'ruthless' side by luring Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak to Old Trafford and discarding David De Gea as his first choice goalkeeper, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Ten Hag took over as the Red Devils' chief following last season's climax and spent more than £200million on bolstering the squad he inherited during the summer window, but links to Oblak have started to surface.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Oblak?
According to French media outlet Jeunes Footeux, Manchester United have identified Oblak as their priority target as De Gea has failed to convince ten Hag.
The report suggests the Red Devils are willing to offer the 50-cap Slovenia international a contract worth close to £16million-per-season, while Paris Saint-Germain are also interested.
Manchester United are long-term admirers of Oblak and were linked with a high-profile swap deal which would have seen De Gea move in the opposite direction to Atletico Madrid last year, but a move failed to come to fruition.
There is uncertainty over the 29-year-old's future at the Wanda Metropolitano as his £253,000-per-week contract, which has a £105million release clause, is due to expire next summer.
Oblak has made 360 appearances for La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, keeping 177 clean sheets in the process.
What has Dean Jones said about Oblak?
Jones believes ten Hag would show that no-one's place in the team is safe by swooping for Oblak and putting him ahead of De Gea in the pecking order.
The journalist feels it may be the right time to look for a De Gea replacement as the Dutchman aims to stamp his authority on the Manchester United squad.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think it would actually be pretty ruthless of ten Hag to take a decision like that. But maybe this all fits with changing the mindset of the squad.
"De Gea has been through highs and many lows at United and if ever there was a time to consider a change in terms of the No1 shirt, we are probably approaching it as this team transitions."
How does Oblak compare to De Gea?
Statistics show that Oblak concedes fewer goals per 90 minutes and has a better clean sheet percentage than De Gea during the early stages of the season.
That was also the case during the 2021/22 term, although the Manchester United custodian has boasted an improved save percentage in both campaigns.
With De Gea's £375,000-per-week contract expiring in less than 12 months, although there is an option for the Red Devils to extend the agreement by a year, Oblak would be a shrewd acquisition if he is drafted in as the Spaniard's long-term successor between the sticks.