United ready to sell David de Gea to Real Madrid for £60m

AS reported by Sportsmail’s Chris Wheeler this week, Manchester United are already lining up potential replacements for David de Gea ahead of his expected £60million move to Real Madrid.

The Spain No 1 has been courted by Real for several seasons now and came very close to joining them in August 2015 before signing a new deal at Old Trafford.

But with the 26-year-old still yearning for a move back to his home town, where he came through the ranks at Real’s rivals Atletico Madrid, Mourinho is ready to change his No 1 this summer.

After calling De Gea’s focus into question of late and dropping him for Sergio Romero – who will stay at the club as reserve goalkeeper – Mourinho is scouring Europe to find the most adequate replacement for United’s star man.

Here, Sportsmail runs through the candidates to replace De Gea.

Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)

Mourinho’s No 1 choice in both senses of the phrase. The Slovenian, who only turned 24 in January, would set United back most of the fee they will receive for De Gea. A powerful, commanding keeper; he doesn’t lack agility either as shown by an incredible triple save against Bayer Leverkusen last month.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan)

Like Oblak, the Italian would not come cheap. At just 18 years old he may not want to leave his boyhood club either, despite their recent struggles. Comparisons to Italy and Juventus legend Buffon are not without good reason though.

Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Would be a highly controversial move but City want him gone and Mourinho is a fan. Jose wouldn’t mind upsetting his rivals but would they sell to him?

Hugo Lloris (Tottenham)

Like Hart, this move would not be without controversy but if Spurs go another season without a trophy he may look to force a transfer. If United qualify for the Champions League and show ambition in the summer it could be to Old Trafford.

Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen)

Germany’s third-choice keeper, only 25, looks certain to leave this summer with Leverkusen struggling. Could he handle the pressure of a move to United though?

Samir Handanovic (Inter Milan)

Turns 33 this year but Edwin van der Sar was 34 when United signed him and we all know how well that went. In his 10th full season in Serie A, the Slovenian has long been regarded one of Europe’s top keepers.

Jordan Pickford (Sunderland)

The 23-year-old has been one of the only bright spots in Sunderland’s dismal season and looks set for the top. Will Mourinho think he’s too young though?

Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester)

A left-field selection, but the late-blooming son of United legend Peter has more than proved himself in the Premier League over the past three seasons.

 

SOURCE: DAILYMAIL