Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd keeper latest: Ten Hag eyes two De Gea successors but twist in saga could see shock U-turn

Erik ten Hag manager of Manchester United walks off with David De Gea of Manchester United during the Premier League match at Old Trafford

The future of David De Gea is far from set in stone at Manchester United, with sources revealing to TEAMtalk that the Spaniard’s stay at Old Trafford beyond this season still remains a strong possibility.

The long-serving star has proved one of United’s most successful signings in a generation. Costing a bargain £18.9m in 2011, the 45-times capped Spain star has gone on to make over 500 appearances for the Red Devils.

Sadly, he doesn’t make this ranking list of all Man Utd’s signings since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Indeed, he has been named as the club’s Player of the Year on four occasions, most recently in the 2021/22 season. Now in his 12th campaign with the Red Devils, De Gea is the club’s second-highest earner on a reported £350,000 a week.

However, that deal is due to expire at the end of this season. And while United do hold an option to extend that stay by a year, serious doubts remain over his future.

Indeed, there are strong suggestions that De Gea does not entirely suit the style Ten Hag likes to play with. And in an effort to beat the high press, the Dutchman has often played with keepers who are confident with the ball at their feet.

De Gea himself would probably admit that is not the strongest part of his game.

As a result, he has been strongly linked with a return to Spain, while Italian giants Juventus are also reportedly on his trail.

Furthermore, United are also casting their eye over would be replacements. To that end, Porto keeper Diogo Costa is reportedly on their watchlist, with Fabrizio Romano producing a significant update on Wednesday.

David De Gea future far from decided at Man Utd

However, TEAMtalk can reveal that rather than already decide to let De Gea leave, Ten Hag remains very much open to his stay.

Indeed, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has explained the factors that could yet De Gea sign a new deal.

“Manchester United have a huge decision to make when it comes to their goalkeeper situation,” Bailey told TEAMtalk. “Erik Ten Hag likes De Gea, he appreciates him not just as a player but as person too. And I am told he has absolutely no qualms about him extending his stay.

“However, there are a couple of caveats before that can happen.

“De Gea has a one-year option, but United would ideally not like to take that unless he himself wants to stay. And, if he does [choose to stay], they would rather look at new deal. However, for that to happen, it would mean him having to take a drop in wages. At this stage, that cannot be ruled out.”

Discussing potential replacements, Bailey says the club are looking into a second option in addition to Costa.

“United’s scouts are doing their homework, and one player that has emerged as a real option is Porto’s Diogo Costa. They like him a lot. And if De Gea does move on, he may well be the man they turn to.

“They have also loved Jan Oblak for a long time. He could still be an option given he is likely to be available, but he would be pretty costly.”

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