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Manchester United are reportedly ready to let David De Gea depart Old Trafford next year – but the club will move to protect his valuation amid claims that Erik ten Hag has made his mind up over the goalkeeper’s future.
Dutch coach Ten Hag is starting to mould his United his way. Having spent well over £200m over the summer, the team are starting to see and feel his impact. Five wins in their last six games in all competitions illustrate how his presence is starting to be felt.
Summer arrivals Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen have already had a positive effect on the side. And with Brazilian duo Antony and Casemiro soon expected to hit top gear, hopes are growing that United can enjoy a successful season.
Despite the lavish spending in the summer, plans are already afoot for the next two transfer windows. And while January windows are not always a productive market, it seems more money will be available.
To that end, with the winter window in mind, a recent report suggested a Leicester star and an Ajax attacker are two of Ten Hag’s ‘chosen ones’.
Longer down the line, though, Ten Hag has plenty of other areas he will need to address. To that end, there remains question marks over the long-term future of Cristiano Ronaldo. And even if he were to stay at the club beyond January, at 37 United know he has a limited shelf-life anyway.
Perhaps the biggest issue though for Ten Hag to consider is in goal.
Long-term custodian De Gea is currently in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford. As such, the 31-year-old – now in his 12th season at United – can speak to overseas clubs from January 1.
David De Gea future: Ten Hag ready to let him leave Man Utd
Per reports, De Gea is on a deal worth £350,000 a week at Old Trafford. And with Ten Hag reportedly having doubts that the Spaniard is suited to his preferred style, it seems a parting of ways could be on the cards next summer.
And according to Calciomercato, the chase for De Gea is being led by Juventus.
The Italian giants are no strangers to recruiting some of the world’s most high-profile free transfer signings. And they are reportedly tentatively exploring the possibility of bringing De Gea to the club as their next big-name recruit.
For the last five seasons, their goalkeeper spot has been filled by former Arsenal man Wojciech Szczesny. However, those in charge at the Bianconeri feel they can land a serious upgrade in De Gea. And the prospect of landing him on a free transfer makes him all the more appealing.
However, United director of football John Murtough will move to block the player departing on a free. The club does hold a one-year option on the keeper. As such, they appear likely to take that up and protect their valuation of him.
That said, they will also have to weigh up the cost of keeping him on his lofty wages, versus the risk of dissuading Juve from making a move.
Man Utd set for a new No 1: the options
With David De Gea’s future seemingly away from Old Trafford, United are reportedly casting their eyes over some potential replacements.
Ten Hag wants to bring in a shot-stopper who has the ability, the temperament and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is one of those reportedly under consideration. And while he is enjoying an excellent season so far, his distribution has raised some issues. At 22, his experience also counts against him, somewhat.
Instead, widespread reports claim it is Everton’s Jordan Pickford who is emerging as Ten Hag’s No 1 choice.
Known as one of the best around with the ball at his feet, Pickford is reportedly seen as the perfect keeper to help implement Ten Hag’s tactics of beating the high press adapted by so many sides these days.
Everton, understandably, value Pickford highly and would not let him leave without a fight. He is one of the first names on Frank Lampard’s team sheet, having clocked up over 200 appearances.
But with just 18 months left on his Goodison deal come January – or 12 months come the summer – the opportunity could be there for United to pounce.
Reports claim he is the one Ten Hag has set his heart on and United are reportedly readying advances for Pickford behind the scenes.