Man Utd prepare to ‘attack’ specific market as ‘everything indicates’ discount on £64m transfer

Man Utd will “attack” the market for a new goalkeeper once David de Gea’s contract situation has been resolved, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Spaniard’s contract runs out this summer with his suitability for the number one spot at Old Trafford coming under scrutiny, despite winning the 2022/23 Premier League Golden Glove award.

Man Utd are attempting to renew his contract ahead of next season but want him to commit to reduced terms over a longer period, with De Gea currently earning around £375k a week.

There have been lots of rumours that Man Utd could be in the market for a new number one, while other reports claim they just want a back-up for De Gea next season.

Either way, they are in the transfer market for a new goalkeeper this summer – but one player who is unlikely to join is Brentford’s David Raya, who Romano claims is “on the verge of agreeing personal terms” at Tottenham.

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “I can reveal that Spurs are now on the verge of agreeing personal terms with David Raya. It’s not done yet, but a long term contract has almost been agreed following positive talks.

“Raya remains Tottenham’s priority for the goalkeeper position and they will pursue this deal, but for the moment Brentford’s asking price of £40m is considered too high.

“Still, Spurs feel confident the price could change as Brentford have already signed a replacement in goal and Raya won’t sign a new deal there, while he’ll be out of contract next summer.

“The Spanish shot-stopper has been a big performer for Brentford and so it’s normal that they’d want an important fee for him, but let’s see what happens. For sure, I think he’s a good opportunity on the market this summer and it seems Spurs feel they’re in a good position.”

Everton stopper Jordan Pickford is another goalkeeper who has been linked with a move to Man Utd but Romano insists “nothing is advanced” with any targets but they will “attack” the market after De Gea’s future is sorted.

Romano added: “While we’re on the subject of goalkeepers, I’m aware of Jordan Pickford stories doing the rounds.

“My understanding is that Manchester United are following many goalkeepers situations at the moment, but the priority is to resolve David de Gea’s future as a new deal is almost agreed but not signed yet. Then they could ‘attack’ the situation for a new goalkeeper. Nothing is advanced at this stage.”

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa has been consistently mooted as a potential target for Man Utd this summer with Portuguese publication Correio da Manhã claiming today that ‘everything indicates’ that Porto need to make a big sale before the end of June.

In order to make a profit this year, Porto must bring in another €60m in transfer fees and it’s claimed that an exit for Costa could provide them with the best chance of doing that.

Costa has a €75m (£64m) release clause in his contract but the Red Devils are unwilling to pay that much with the report hinting that Porto could be forced to give a discount on his sale.

READ MORE: Every Premier League club’s most valuable asset ahead of the summer transfer window