By Jamie Spencer & Graeme Bailey
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has hinted that he wishes to stay at the club beyond the end of the season, when his current contract expires.
De Gea signed a new four-year deal in 2019 worth around £375,000 a week which has made him one of the Premier League’s top earners. Even with a pay cut contractually triggered by the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League this season, his salary is still ample.
The existing contract includes a 12-month option that could extend the terms until 2024. But, AS 90 minutes he previously explainedUnited are not considering using the option as they want any new contract to be on significantly reduced terms.
De Gea and United remain on good terms and both sides are keen to keep it that way whether or not a deal is struck: the Spaniard has been at United for nearly 12 years and has grown from a 20-year raw talent in a 32-year-old experienced professional.
90 minutes understands United are ultimately confident of agreeing a new contract with De Gea on reduced terms, although the ongoing takeover process has delayed finalizing things, as has also been the case with Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw.
De Gea’s latest comments reflect his desire to keep things amicable and suggest a preference to stay on.
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“I have been here for many, many years, I enjoy every moment in this club and I play many games. It’s great to be here… a huge club. I love the club and I’m really happy here” he said Sky Sports.
“It’s been the same over the years, a lot of noise about everything at this club. But the players focus on the matches, especially Sunday’s [against Newcastle at St James’ Park] because it’s a huge game for us to finish in the top four.
“We have to be very careful in training, in recovering well [and] the other team. This is more important than contracts or anything.
Even if De Gea extends his time at Old Trafford, United are planning for a long-term future and would still like to bring in another goalkeeper.
The club have their eye on Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who 90 minutes recently revealed could be available this summer due to the Portuguese club needing to raise €50m before they can invest in their squad.
United are also showing interest in Brentford’s David Raya, who has overtaken De Gea in the international pecking order with Spain and been selected for the 2022 World Cup.
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In this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90 Minutes podcast network, Scott Saunders & Rob Blanchette discuss Gareth Southgate’s comments about Marcus Rashford following his recent withdrawal from the England squad through injury. The boys also discuss Napoli’s Kim Min-jae and whether he is the right man to replace Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.
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This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Man Utd confident of agreeing new contract with David de Gea.
