With David De Gea appearing more and more reluctant to commit his long-term future to Manchester United, the club will no doubt be looking at their options should the Spaniard depart the club he joined in 2011.
De Gea, who in recent years has almost single-handedly kept them in contention for the top-four, has just one year remaining on his current deal as reports circulate that he wants a £350,000-per-week deal, something, it appears, United are reluctant to agree to.
A dream move to Real Madrid collapsed back in 2015, while their signing of Thibaut Courtois appears to have closed that particular door; but with recent reports claiming Paris Saint-Germain are keen on his services, while Juventus are also believed to be interested, it might be time for the club to start looking elsewhere.
So here’s a look at five goalkeepers the Red Devils could turn to if the unthinkable were to happen and De Gea did depart Old Trafford.
Gigi Donnarumma
The Milan number one has enjoyed a pretty decent 12 months after something of a rocky 2017/18 campaign. However, with his side failing to secure a Champions League place might just be looking to force a move away from the San Siro in 2019.
Like when United signed David De Gea, they know by securing the services of this 20-year old they could be laying down their defensive foundations for another decade and beyond, something which is bound to appeal to fans rather than a quick fix or temporary solution.
Another plus is the relationship which United have with Donnarumma’s agent, Mino Raiola, who is no stranger to a host of Reds both past and present and could make negotiations a little easier if they decide to make him a priority.
David De Gea to be at PSG after August 8 at 1.95*
Keylor Navas
At almost 34 Navas wouldn’t necessarily be a long-term solution for United, but if they wanted someone to plug the gap while they searched for the eventual successor to De Gea’s throne then the Costa Rica ‘keeper could be just the man.
A three-time Champions League winner since arriving in Madrid after an impressive 2014 World Cup he was overlooked following the arrival of Thibaut Courtois, however Zinedine Zidane’s arrival has seen him back in the reckoning again.
But recently it was reported that Navas was one of five players which Madrid would consider offering United in their pursuit of the out-of-sorts Paul Pogba, so rumours of him being linked with a move to Old Trafford are likely to continue for the summer at least.
David De Gea to be at Juventus after August 8 12.00*
Mike Maignan
Maignan was voted the best keeper in the French top flight last season and capped a magnificent 2019 by earning his first France call-up for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Turkey and Andorra.
The 23-year-old stopper has been named in France’s squad for the 2020 European Championship qualifying games coming up in June, as a result of keeping 15 clean sheets in the league this season, something which has also brought him to the attention of Manchester United.
Recent reports suggest that the Reds have spoken to French club Lille over the availability of their ‘keeper who is thought to be valued around the £30-million pound mark, which in the current climate seems quite reasonable for such a young and promising prospect.
David De Gea to be at Atl Madrid after August 8 19.00*
Jasper Cillessen
Not necessarily one for the future but United know they will be able to rely on a safe pair of hands if they opt for the services of Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, who appears to be keen to leave Barcelona.
Cillessen, 30, recently signalled his intentions to depart the Nou Camp having grown frustrated by playing second fiddle to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and a move to United might be the perfect solution for both sides.
The Frenchman was previously identified by Louis van Gaal as a target for United to replace De Gea in 2015, only for the Spaniard’s move to join Real falling through on deadline day, so it would appear he’s been on the club’s radar for some time.
David De Gea to be at Barcelona after August 8 at 19.00*
Jordan Pickford
If United are looking for longevity when it comes to their goalkeeping department then they might do well to turn their attention a little closer to home, namely the Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The England number one has proven himself as a smart shot stopper at both Sunderland and at Goodison Park while his distribution provides the opportunity to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
Pickford has done little to suggest that he is keen for a move away from Everton and under Marco Silva he will no doubt be at the forefront of the club’s plans going forward; but that has never stopped United before and when they have a target on their shortlist they often get their man.
David De Gea to be at Real Madrid after August 8 at 9.00*
*Odds subject to change
