Ten Hag set to break Man Utd rule to extend De Gea contract; lines up Leeds star as long-term replacement

Manchester United are willing to stretch to a £250,000 per week wage to keep David de Gea at Old Trafford, according to reports. 

But, Erik ten Hag is allegedly already looking at bringing in Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier as his long-term replacement.

De Gea’s current deal is set at a staggering £375,000 per week, which is due to expire at the end of the season, so he will still need to accept a pay cut to remain with United.

This new, reported offer is somewhat unexpected, given Ten Hag introduced a rule this season that no United player could earn more than £200,000 per week. 

But, the fact that the Dutch coach is willing to compromise to keep De Gea at the club, shows how important he is to the team.

Since arriving at Old Trafford back in 2011, the Spaniard has played a key role in United winning one league title, an FA Cup, a League Cup three FA Community Shields and one Europa League.

Overall, De Gea has made 520 appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions, keeping 179 clean sheets in total.

Now, according to the Sun, Ten Hag is willing to offer his goalkeeper £200,000 per week to keep him at Old Trafford for at least next season.

Ten Hag eyes swoop for Leeds’ Meslier

Despite De Gea clearly still being important to United, he is already 32 years old, so they are already thinking about a more long-term addition.

Dean Henderson is set to return to Old Trafford from his loan at Nottingham Forest in the summer, but it is believed that he will be sold so he can get the first-team action he wants.

According to the Sun’s report, United are very interested in making a move for Leeds’ shot-stopper Meslier and are willing to wait until they can offer him a starting spot.

The Frenchman has gained a reputation as one of the best keepers in the Premier League, after making the most saves in the division last season.

The only problem with United waiting, however, is that if Leeds are relegated to the Championship, there is a very good chance he could be sold to someone else.

The Whites dropped into the relegation zone after being defeated 1-0 by fellow strugglers Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, and are yet to appoint a new manager after Jesse Marsch was sacked. 

If they do drop to the Championship, their finances will take a huge hit and Leeds will be forced to sell some of their prized assets, with Meslier certainly fitting into that category.

At just 22 years old, the keeper has the potential to get even better than he already is, so United will be hoping that they can seal a deal in the future.

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