Major Man Utd deal nears completion, but Ten Hag mulls ruthless backdoor transfer that could leave senior star beached

A decorated Man Utd star is poised to sign a new contract, though a report has revealed that not only will his salary be slashed, but a new signing could also relegate him to the bench.

Man Utd’s top priorities in the market this summer are signing an elite-level centre-forward, a new central midfielder and an attacking upgrade at right-back.

However, rumblings a new goalkeeper could arrive have not gone away. The initial thought was any new face would be viewed as a high class back-up to David de Gea.

However, according to the Telegraph, De Gea might be in for a rude awakening once he puts pen to paper on his new contract.

The veteran Spaniard, 32, is out of contract at season’s end. United opted against activating a 12-month extension in favour of forging a new, multi-year agreement.

The one-year option expires this month, meaning if United don’t agree terms, De Gea will leave as a free agent.

The Telegraph state that scenario won’t transpire, with De Gea ‘on the verge’ of signing the new deal.

In doing so, the four-time Man Utd Players’ Player of the Year will absorb a sizeable pay-cut. He’s currently the club’s top earner on around £375,000-a-week, though is being offered a greatly reduced basic salary that includes performance-related incentives.

While the pay decrease doesn’t sound like it’ll be a deal breaker, De Gea may in fact find himself relegated to second choice soon after penning fresh terms.

Man Utd won’t guarantee De Gea will remain No 1

The Telegraph report De Gea ‘has been given no assurances’ he’ll remain first choice moving forward. Furthermore, manager Erik ten Hag is also refusing to confirm De Gea will be the No 1 from next season onwards.

Doubts have long been cast over De Gea’s suitability to Ten Hag given his limitations in possession.

However, his costly blunder with his hands against West Ham on Thursday night was a poignant reminder ageing goalkeepers don’t remain reliable forever. Gary Lineker was among those to cruelly mock De Gea in the aftermath when tweeting his new nickname for De Gea.

Dean Henderson could conceivably be an option to take the gloves next term. However, the report adds the Nottingham Forest loanee looks likely to be sold this summer.

As such, a new signing will be required if United are to demote De Gea to second choice. On that front, the Telegraph name two viable candidates who United like – Brentford’s David Raya and FC Porto’s Diogo Costa.

Of the two, Raya is by far the easier to sign given he’s publicly confirmed he won’t sign a new deal with the Bees. Raya is also on Tottenham’s radar and a fee in the range of £35m-£40m should be enough to seal a deal this summer.

One factor that might offer De Gea a reprieve in his role as the starter is United’s potential takeover.

The Telegraph conclude how much Ten Hag is given to spend will hinge on several factors, such as Champions League qualification, player sales and a potential takeover.

If one or more factors in that list go against Man Utd, a new addition between the sticks will be put on ice in favour of signing a striker and midfielder first.

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