Man Utd closing in on key signature as Ten Hag rebuild gathers pace

Robin Bairner

• 19 Apr 2023 21:29 BST
• 2 min read

Manchester United and David de Gea are closing in on an agreement that will see the Spain international goalkeeper sign a new contract with the club.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the club and the player are “on the same page” but there are some formalities to be tidied up with regards the deal.

De Gea’s future has been the subject of speculation for months, with new manager Erik ten Hag apparently unconvinced with the goalkeeper’s ability with the ball at his feet – something he demands in his style of play.

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However, it appears that with holes to be plugged elsewhere in the side, De Gea, whose contract expires at the end of June will suffice for the time being.

Instead, Ten Hag is likely to prioritise a centre forward, a midfielder and potentially a couple of defenders during the summer transfer window, which United approach with a sense of uncertainty due to the ongoing takeover process.

Romano's information runs parallel to claims in Italy that Man Utd have been in touch with Inter over former Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, though it is possible that the Cameroon international is being watched in case talks break down.

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De Gea happy at Man Utd

The ex-Atletico Madrid custodian wants to remain at Man Utd, although reports that he was going to have to take a huge pay cut did seem to put that in doubt.

Romano, though, says that talks are progressing relatively smoothly, even if there are details that need to be ironed out.

“They are discussing the final clauses of his contract and the feeling is very positive,” Romano explained on his YouTube channel. “They want to continue together.

“The structure of the new contract is being discussed but internally they feel that De Gea will be the goalkeeper next season and he wants to continue there. The conversation is going very well and has been since the end of February, so the feeling is very positive.”

De Gea, whose Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €5.8 million reflects the short period he has left on his contract, signed for Man Utd in 2011 from Atletico Madrid for a fee of €25m. Although he has struggled to win universal acclaim at Old Trafford, he has been first choice for the majority of his stay at the club, amassing 534 appearances to date.