Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could leave as a free agent next month amid the ongoing contract stand-off, according to David Ornstein.
The Spaniard has been United’s regular between the sticks over the past 12 seasons, but there is currently uncertainty over his future beyond June 30.
De Gea has refused to accept a significant pay-cut on his current £375,000-a-week wages, and this could pave the way for his departure this summer.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ornstein said that De Gea plans to return to the club after his holidays, but there is no agreement in place over a renewal.
The reputed journalist added that the Red Devils don’t view June 30 as a hard decline for a new deal, but ‘it looks like he may well leave’ the club.
Ornstein also highlighted that Inter’s Andre Onana could be a player considered to replace De Gea.
De Gea could leave Man Utd this summer
The Spaniard kept an impressive 25 clean sheets in all competitions last season. 17 of those came in the Premier League as he won the Golden Glove award.
Despite this, there has been criticism over his performances from some fans. The 32-year-old made four errors leading to goals during the recent campaign.
He should have done better to prevent Ilkay Gundogan’s FA Cup-winning goal for Manchester City.
United clearly need a modern goalkeeper with better reflexes and ball-playing ability. Onana would be the perfect fit with his experience under Erik ten Hag.
The Cameroonian star worked for four-and-a-half seasons with the Dutch tactician at Ajax where he developed into one of the most sought-after keepers.
Onana recently had a superb debut campaign with Inter. He completed an impressive 78 per cent of his passes with over seven long balls per appearance.
He is also comfortable coming off his line and has the ability to play as a sweeper-keeper. He showed his quality during the Champions League final recently.
If De Gea leaves at the end of the month, United may need to pay around £50 million to prise away Onana. Inter have opened the door for his departure.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
