DAVID DE GEA’S reported return to football is OFF due to his “unrealistic” wage demands.
The Spanish goalie, 33, was part of the last title-winning Manchester United squad but has been without a club for over a year.
De Gea exited Old Trafford as a free agent last summer after 12 years at the club – even though he won the Premier League Golden Glove in his final term.
The Red Devils infamously released the star on his wedding day in June.
De Gea has remained living in Manchester and was previously spotted watching United’s women play.
And he has stayed in shape by training alone, teasing a return by issuing a three-word update on his future back in April.
That footage was shot at his local non-league side Altrincham and he has since dropped another hint he could be set to seal a free transfer somewhere by posting an hourglass emoji on X.
The keeper has been linked with various Premier League clubs, such as Newcastle and Nottingham Forest.
And he has also been “presented with several options, including offers from Saudi Arabia, the United States and Italy,” according to The Athletic.
And it is the latter that had appeared to be on the verge of happening.
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We reported in the week how De Gea has been offered to Genoa.
However, the deal is now off according to Sky Sports, with the club looking at alternative targets.
The report claims De Gea’s wage demands have scuppered the deal following talks with the Italian outfit.
Genoa won promotion from Serie B a year ago and finished 11th in their first campaign back in the top-flight.
Meanwhile, United legend Edwin van der Sar recently offered the ex-Atletico Madrid ace his support.
The ex-goalie recalled how he was in a similar scenario after leaving Juventus in 2001.
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But he eventually joined Fulham before heading to Old Trafford and winning the Champions League.
Replying to another training clip posted by De Gea, Van der Sar wrote: “David, keep the faith and believe as I had something similar in 2001 and look what that brought me in the end!”
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