Man Utd identify David de Gea 'replacement' as move for Premier League keeper planned

Published date12 August 2022
Publication titleExpress, The/The Express on Sunday: Web Edition Articles (London, England)
Lee Grant's summer retirement and Dean Henderson's season-long loan switch to Nottingham Forest have left Erik ten Hag short in the goalkeeper department. According to The Athletic, Henderson's strong comments against United at the start of August prompted Ten Hag to demand a like-for-like replacement

Tom Heaton was previously seen as De Gea's deputy, which meant the club searched for a No 3 goalkeeper. But Ten Hag's insistence that United directly replace Henderson suggests he doesn't view the 36-year-old as a viable option should his first-choice Spaniard become unavailable.

The report claims United's goalkeeper budget was initially £1million, but that has since increased to £7m, in line with the Dutch coach's desires. He is understood to want a goalkeeper capable of challenging De Gea immediately, and if the perfect candidate becomes available, that budget may increase.

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United have made player agents aware of their altered approach this month, with work behind the scenes said to have 'intensified' in response to Ten Hag's decision. And the Red Devils have identified a Premier League stopper as De Gea's potential long-term successor.

There is genuine interest in Leeds United's Meslier, and figures within the club believe he has what it...

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