Manchester United target Jan Oblak may not be prepared to move to the Premier League ‘just yet’, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 29-year-old has been linked with a shock move away from the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in recent weeks but talk of an imminent exit may be premature.
What is the latest news involving Oblak?
A recent report from the Evening Standard has claimed that United have asked to be kept informed of Oblak’s situation and availability ahead of a potential move.
However, they could face stiff competition from domestic rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are searching for an heir to club captain Hugo Lloris.
United are also in the market for a shot-stopper, though, as current first-choice David de Gea has entered the final 12 months of his current £350,000-per-week contract, although the club do have the option to extend his stay by an additional year.
Yet prising Oblak away from Atletico could prove to be an extremely difficult task given he only put pen to paper on a new six-year deal worth £253,000 every seven days in July.
The Slovenia international’s previous £107 million release clause is believed to have been removed, though, potentially sparking hope that a deal can be reached for his services.
What has Jones said about Oblak?
Jones has informed GiveMeSport that the news coming out of the Spanish press is slightly contradictory to what is being reported in England, casting doubt over what the future holds for Oblak.
He said: “In England, it keeps being reported that clubs are interested in Oblak, but when you speak to people in Spain, they don't quite see it that way.
“He's got a long time left on his contract, and people keep talking about the fact he'd love to test himself in the Premier League. As I say, people in Spain feel like this might be a bit premature, and he might not come just yet.”
Would Oblak be a good signing?
Oblak has firmly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football since arriving at Atleti from Benfica back in 2014, keeping an eye-catching 177 clean sheets in 360 appearances.
In that time, the 6 foot 2 ace has claimed one La Liga title, one Europa League, one UEFA Super Cup, and one Spanish Super Cup.
But while Oblak is undoubtedly one of the best shot-stoppers in the game, doubts remain over his ability with the ball at his feet, a key trait for a keeper under United manager Erik ten Hag.
Therefore, United may be better off targeting someone who perfectly fits Ten Hag’s specific style of play, even if they are not currently held in as higher regard as Oblak is.