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Manchester United hope to agree a new contract with David De Gea, but are eyeing up Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a long-term replacement for the Spaniard.
De Gea has been a Red Devils stalwart since 2011, racking up over 500 appearances for the club, but his future remains in the balance with his contract expiring at the end of this season.
The 32-year-old is earning a whopping £375,000-a-week on his current deal and United are keen for him to agree a new contract on reduced terms.
The Sun report that the Red Devils are willing to give the ‘keeper £250,000-a-week, so he would not exactly be struggling, but it is still a significant reduction on what he has been earning.
There are contingency plans being made for if De Gea does not put pen to paper, and even if he does, with a long-term replacement still needed.
Meslier has been identified as a candidate, with the 22-year-old Frenchman in his third season with Leeds in the Premier League and growing in stature and reputation.
TeamtalkIf De Gea does not agree a new deal then Manchester United could move for Meslier this summer, if the Spaniard stays then they may wait until they can offer him first team football.
Dean Henderson remains on loan from United at Nottingham Forest and is set to return to Old Trafford in the summer.
However, the Englishman is expected to leave the club as he is only interested in playing regular first team football now, having served as back-up to De Gea in the past.
Speaking earlier this season, De Gea made it clear he wants to stay beyond this campaign, saying: ‘Of course, I would like to be here for more years, so let’s see what happens in the future. I’m really, really happy here.’Source:Metro