Man Utd ‘number one’ target revealed as club plan ahead should David De Gea leave in 2023

Lewis Oldham
Man Utd star De Gea

Man Utd reportedly have two goalkeepers on their wishlist in case David De Gea leaves the club at the end of this season when his contract expires.

De Gea’s future at United is currently in doubt as it remains to be seen whether he will extend his deal beyond this season.

He was once one of the best goalkeepers in the world but his form has declined over the past few years as more mistakes are creeping into his game.

The 32-year-old is slowly nearing the end of his career and Man Utd could opt to move him on this summer. It would also be a natural break with him out of contract.

Erik ten Hag appears to support De Gea and he praised the goalkeeper following United’s 1-0 win over West Ham last month.

“In this team, it is a big attitude and winning spirit. You see that, the start of the season was not that good but improving a lot. We have to keep that process going,” Ten Hag said.

“The fans also like it. You see developing a bond between the fans and the team, that is good.

“If we don’t manage it with the 10 outfield players on the pitch you can really see defending with 11 because we have a great goalkeeper.

“With great saves and composure, you can rely on him.”

Man Utd have the option to automatically extend De Gea’s deal until 2023. They have made the most of this option with Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Fred.

But they have decided against doing this with De Gea. If he stays, they want him to take a wage reduction with him currently earning around £375,000 a week.

90min are reporting that ‘United’s approach will be for any new long-term agreement to be made on significantly reduced terms’.

The size of this reduction ‘remains to be seen’ but the club and player are ‘on good terms’.

It will be reassuring for United fans to hear that they ‘have been scouting other potential options’ to replace De Gea if he goes.

It is noted that Martin Dubravka will return to Newcastle next year and he has always ‘only been considered an understudy to De Gea’.

Dean Henderson meanwhile ‘is still intent on leaving’ United permanently following his loan at Nottingham Forest.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is regarded as their number one target as he is ‘ready to be snapped up by a European giant’.

Ten Hag and Man Utd ‘like the player’ but it is indicated that they ‘have other areas they would like to strengthen next summer’. Costa’s current contract includes a £52.2m release clause.

90min add that Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer has ‘been on United’s radar’ but he is considered their ‘number two option’.

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