Manchester United are prioritising the signing of a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer and are prepared for the departure of David de Gea.
De Gea is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and having turned down the club’s contract offer, there is now a big possibility that he leaves the club this summer. United did not take up their option of triggering a one-year extension to his contract as they wanted a dramatic decrease in wages.
The Spaniard signed a hefty deal in 2019 that made him not only the club's highest-paid player but also the Premier League's top earner on £375,000 per week. United understand this contract was an error on their behalf and they are now actively seeking to replace him.
Ten Hag had initially drawn up a three-man shortlist for signing a goalkeeper this summer but Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is no longer thought to be an option with Tottenham holding an advanced interest in his signing.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has been scouted by United. The Belgian has also had interest from both Burnley and Brighton but United have now stepped up their interest with Inter’s Andre Onana also high on their list.
The Cameroon goalkeeper, who retired from international duty after the World Cup last year, joined Inter from Ajax last summer – departing the Amsterdam club at the same time as United boss Erik ten Hag. He had made 214 first-team appearances for the Dutch club prior to his move to Serie A.
Have Your Say! Which goalkeeper should Man Utd sign this summer? Tell us what you think here.
Onana, 27, starred for the Nerazzurri this campaign. They have reached the finals of both the Champions League and Coppa Italia, despite a slightly underwhelming Serie A season which sees them finish third and a whopping 18 points off title winners Napoli.
Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is also on United’s wanted list and the Portugal international would, like Onana, fit Ten Hag’s style of wanting to play out from the back and being comfortable with the ball at his feet – which was a notable weakness of De Gea.
Jack Butland has also left Old Trafford after a short stint at the club but backup goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Nathan Bishop have extended their stays. United are in the market for multiple position this summer but goalkeeper is now a clear priority.
