Man Utd contract talks with high earner break down as Ten Hag ramps up interest in trio
Contract talks have come to a standstill between Manchester United and David De Gea as it now seems likely the goalkeeper will leave the club this summer.
De Gea has been at the centre of plenty of debates this season, as several pundits have called for him to be replaced.
Man United have improved defensively this year, but De Gea has made several high-profile mistakes.
While the Spanish shot-stopper won the Golden Glove this year, there have been calls to replace him with a goalkeeper who is better with his feet.
De Gea was omitted from the club’s retained list for next season and he is yet to agree on a new contract with the club.
According to David McDonnell of The Mirror, it is now a real possibility that he could leave upon his contract expiring.
“De Gea not included on Man Utd’s retained list of players, with sources indicating situation not as positive as it was a few weeks ago,” McDonnell explained on Twitter.
“A contract extension could still be agreed, but would require compromise on both sides.”
De Gea is one of the highest-earners in the Premier League, earning a reported £375,000-a-week salary on his current deal.
As he seems reluctant to significantly reduce his wages, a new contract has not yet been agreed upon.
It recently transpired that De Gea has a potential suitor in Saudi Arabia, who would be able to offer the 32-year-old a highly lucrative deal.
As there is now a real possibility that De Gea could depart, Man Utd are said to be stepping up their interest in his potential replacement.
Man Utd are considering Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Porto’s Diogo Costa and Inter Milan’s Andre Onana as his replacement.
Brentford’s David Raya has also been a target for Man Utd, although they aren’t prepared to spend the £40m it would take to sign him.
Costa would be an ideal fit into Ten Hag’s system, although the Portuguese shot-stopper won’t come cheap.
Costa has a €75m (£64m) release clause in his contract but the Red Devils don’t seem willing to spend that much on a goalkeeper.
Onana has had an impressive season for Inter, although Chelsea are also interested in the 27-year-old.
If De Gea does indeed depart then Man Utd might be left with little option but to pay a large sum to land one of their primary targets.
The 32-year-old could yet agree a fresh deal at Old Trafford, but the chances of that happening are now looking significantly slimmer.
READ MORE: Man Utd board block Ten Hag from pursuing top target as they prefer £300m trio
