Report suggests key reason why Man Utd star is reluctant to sign new deal

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is reportedly reluctant to sign a new contract at the club because of a clause that could see his wages slashed by 25%, should the side fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Spanish international De Gea has previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, with Los Blancos allegedly denied the chance to sign him due to late paperwork in their most high-profile approach of the player.

According to The Sun, some of United’s new players saw their wages cut last season and with the same clause in play this time round, the newspaper adds that De Gea is stalling over his decision to pen fresh terms at Old Trafford.

United finished sixth last season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge of his first spell in permanent charge of the club, but the Dane has spent big in order to bolster his squad for the new season.

The acquisitions of Harry Maguire from Leicester City, Daniel James from Swansea City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace saw the Red Devils spend over £100m and the club are seeking to return to the Champions League this season.

De Gea has been a mainstay in the United team for a number of seasons now, and the 28-year-old has made 364 appearances for the side to date.

In other United news, a player the club were reportedly interested in earlier this summer could be set for a switch to Ligue 1.

Get the latest personalised Red Devils products on our new TEAMtalk Man Utd shop!