Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has hinted that he is keen to stay at the club beyond the end of the season when his current contract expires.
De Gea penned a new four-year deal in 2019 worth around £375,000 per week that made him one of the Premier League’s highest 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 vast.
The existing contract does include a 12-month option that could extend the terms until 2024. But, as 90min has previously explained, United are not considering using the option as they want any new contract to be on significant reduced terms.
De Gea and United remain on good terms and both parties are keen to keep it that way, regardless of whether an agreement is reached or not – the Spaniard has been at United nearly 12 years and has grown from a 20-year-old raw talent into a 32-year-old seasoned pro.
90min understands that United are ultimately confident of agreeing a new contract with De Gea on reduced terms, although the ongoing takeover process has delayed things being finalised, 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 hint at a preference to stay.
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“I’ve been here many, many years, enjoying every moment in this club and playing many games. It’s great to be here…massive club. I love the club and I’m really happy here,” he told Sky Sports.
“It has been the same over the years, a lot of noise about everything in this club. But the players focus on games, especially the one on Sunday [against Newcastle at St James’ Park] because it’s a massive game for us to finish in the top four.
“We have to really care about training, recovering well [and] the other team. That’s more important than contracts or anything.”
Even if De Gea does extend his time at Old Trafford, United are planning for the long-term future and would like to bring in another goalkeeper regardless.
The club has eyes on Porto stopper Diogo Costa, who 90min recently revealed could be available this summer owing to the Portuguese club’s need 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 pecking order at international level with Spain and was selected for the 2022 World Cup.
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On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders & Rob Blanchette discuss Gareth Southgate’s comments on Marcus Rashford following his recent withdrawal from the England squad through injury. The guys also discuss Napoli’s Kim Min-jae and if he is the man to replace Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.
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Credit: 90min.com
