Man Utd line up England keeper in summer transfer as De Gea replacement but want under-fire Spaniard to stay
MANCHESTER UNITED have lined up England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford if David de Gea leaves the club, according to reports.
After 12 years at Old Trafford, De Gea‘s contract with United is set to expire at the end of the season.
The Red Devils are said to have offered new terms to De Gea with a significant wage cut.
It is understood club bosses want to keep the Spaniard on reduced terms rather than lose him entirely.
However, Erik ten Hag has set about trying to identify to a new No1 in order to turn the team into genuine title contenders.
And according to the Daily Star, Ten Hag has identified Pickford for this position.
The 29-year-old sealed a contract with Everton running until 2027 earlier this season.
But with the Toffees thrust into a relegation battle, Pickford would be expected to leave in the event of relegation.
Even if Sean Dyche manages to guide the team to safety, United will still try to tempt the England No1 with a bigger wage package.
The Star’s report states Anderlecht keeper Bart Verbruggen has also been sounded out by Ten Hag.
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The 20-year-old Dutchman has enjoyed a breakout season, earning his first call up to the Holland national team during the most recent international break.
Six foot four inch tall Verbruggen has kept eight clean sheets in 17 Jupiler Pro League matches this season.
De Gea’s latest error at West Ham left fans raging that they would “riot if he signs a new deal.
And reports earlier this week suggested De Gea and United had reached an agreement to cut his wages by as much as £175,000-per-week.