David de Gea is likely to leave on a free transfer as Man Utd join third-choice Tom Heaton in goal in pre-season
MANCHESTER UNITED find themselves in a goalkeeper hole situation two weeks before their first pre-season game.
At the moment, Erik ten Hag has no idea who will be between the posts when they face Leeds on July 12 in Oslo.
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David de Gea has refused to sign on reduced terms as his contract expires this week.
The 32-year-old Spanish goalkeeper had previously been the highest-paid player at £375,000 but the club wanted to reduce that figure to £200,000 through a new one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months.
De Gea verbally agreed, but nothing was signed by either side and the club went cold.
Negotiations are said to be ongoing but it is becoming increasingly likely that he will leave as a free agent after 12 years at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag is apparently unconvinced that De Gea admitted his defense needs work on following the 2-1 FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City earlier this month.
Meanwhile, he’s not opposed to keeping 26-year-old Dean Henderson after his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
But without either, 37-year-old Tom Heaton is left as United’s senior goalkeeper.
United have inquired about Inter Milan’s Andre Onana but only wanted to bid £30m, while the Serie A Champions League finalists want £50m for the Cameroonian international.
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Ten Hag coached 27-year-old Onana at Ajax and knows his ability to play from behind, which is crucial for the Dutch manager.
Inter director Piero Ausilio is in touch with United over a potential deal.
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