David de Gea could fund his own Man Utd replacement with near-£20m boost enough to sign two key transfer targets
DAVID DE GEA could help fund his own Manchester United with a near-£20 million boost.
The 32-year-old Spanish goalkeeper could have played his last match for the club.
Having arrived at Old Trafford in 2011, the 32-year-old’s £375,000-a-week contract expires at the end of the month.
He is keen to stay at United but, with the club looking to reduce their wage bill, De Gea may have to compromise to secure his future.
United have offered the goalie a new deal at a vastly reduced £200K-a-week — and told him they will not go any higher.
Boss Erik ten Hag has given his public backing to the Spaniard, although it is understood concerns remain from the player’s camp that he may not be No.1 next season.
But De Gea, who won the Premier League’s Golden Glove, has been told he has no guarantees of being first-choice next term as his Dutch coach searches for a new keeper.
It emerged last week that the ace is “increasingly likely” to leave this summer although the Red Devils are continuing discussions and remain hopeful that he will accept the pay cut.
His current salary equates to around £19.5m annually.
Should he leave, then that would free up a huge amount of space on the wage bill to bring in a replacement.
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And even if he accepts the lower salary, then the club’s coffers could still be swelled by around £9.1m over the course of the next financial year.
And that, of course, could also go into the pot to bring in a new man to battle De Gea for a place in the team.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford is believed to be their top transfer target, and the England No 1 is said to be keen on a move, even if it means battling for a first-team place.
Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht and veteran Yann Sommer is another player linked, and that potential free cash saved from De Gea would make him an easily affordable option.
United keeper Dean Henderson will also be sold this summer if a buyer is found, one of several stars to be offloaded so Ten Hag can buy a striker and midfielder.
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