Transfer gossip: Man Utd target ex-Arsenal stopper as part of PSG, Juve keeper triangle
Manchester United are linked with two new keepers: a former Arsenal no.1; and another rated at £87million. Also: Todd Boehly is continuing his journey back through Chelsea’s old managers…
POLE IN GOAL AT OLD TRAFFORD?
Manchester United have a decision to make over their goalkeeper and, right now, it’s difficult to predict what they will do…
David De Gea is out of contract at the end of the season and the Spaniard is reportedly keen to renew. But he would have to do so on heavily reduced terms since his last deal was signed when he was viewed as arguably the best in the world and offered when United were paying Alexis Sanchez money.
Then there is the question over whether Erik ten Hag wants to continue with De Gea minding his net. Since the manager’s arrival last summer there has been a question mark over how suited De Gea is Ten Hag’s style of play, with the Spaniard still sometimes struggling to play out from the back, even if he has rescued United on numerous occasions this season.
The Red Devils are known to have explored their options, with Porto’s Diogo Costa repeatedly linked with a move to Old Trafford. But Calciomercato reckons United are also keen on Wojciech Szczesny, with the ex-Arsenal keeper entering the final year of his contract at Juventus. The talk is of Szczesny switching to Old Trafford, with De Gea joining PSG in a move that would see Juve sign Gianluigi Donnarumma.
One likely obstacle: when Szczesny was linked with Spurs recently, it was said the 32-year-old wants to stay at Juve and, if he were to move, it would be to MLS.
UNITED, CHELSEA EYE VALENCIA STOPPER
United are also being linked with Valencia keeper Giogi Mamardashvili. But nor would that be a simple deal for the Red Devils to pull off…
Mamardashvili is under contract with Los Che for another four years and the Georgia stopper’s release clause is set at £87million.
And, according to COPE, United aren’t the only Premier League club sniffing around the 22-year-old. Chelsea are also known to be interested in Mamardashvili as they seek a long-term no.1, with Kepa unlikely to be chuffed to see Frank Lampard back in charge.
Read more: Lampard to Chelsea makes sense to people with no knowledge or short memories
BLUES CONTACT MOURINHO OVER THIRD REIGN
Lampard was confirmed as the Blues’ interim boss until the end of the season, which buys Todd Boehly time to pick his next victim manager.
It seems Boehly’s initial approach to simply go back through the list of previous bosses. With Lampard already having returned, it was claimed on Thursday that Antonio Conte would be spoken to. Now, according to Relevo, Jose Mourinho has been contacted about returning for a third stint in charge. How long before Boehly works his way around to Avram Grant. Or Graham Potter?
Mourinho remains a man in demand, with the current Roma boss reported by Corriere dello Sport to have been offered £105million to coach in Saudi Arabia for two years.