Report: United consider triggering Oblak's €120M buyout clause

Manchester United are reportedly exploring an extravagant alternative that could cast doubt upon David De Gea's future with the club.

The struggling Red Devils are seriously considering triggering Atletico Madrid shot-stopper Jan Oblak's €120-million buyout clause, according to ESPN's Dermot Corrigan.

Former Atletico academy product De Gea, who has been named United's Player of the Year in four of the last five seasons, is struggling through an uncharacteristic drop in form and cost his team another goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

With one season remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford, the 28-year-old's eight-year spell with the club has suddenly become tenuous.

Oblak, 26, penned a new deal with Atletico in April, boosting the Slovenian No. 1's buyout clause to €120 million.

Reports suggest the two-time La Liga Goalkeeper of the Year and fellow Los Colchoneros star Antoine Griezmann tentatively await personnel improvements at the Wanda Metropolitano ahead of a summer that could see several first-team regulars depart. Lucas Hernandez has already agreed to a move to Bayern Munich, and defenders Juanfran, Diego Godin, and Filipe Luis are all out of contract in the summer. Midfielders Rodrigo and Saul Niguez have also been associated with big-money exits, with the latter also a subject of reported consideration from United.

Oblak, who drew reported interest from Liverpool and Chelsea before the two sides acquired Alisson and Kepa Arrizabalaga, respectively, is understood to desire Champions League football in the event of a potential transfer.

United currently sit sixth in the Premier League with two matches to play. With just one point from a possible nine, they've fallen three points adrift of fourth-place Chelsea and the final Champions League spot.