David de Gea has told friends he is willing to snub Manchester United’s latest contract offer.
The Spanish goalkeeper has apparently refused to pen a new £350,000-a-week deal that has been presented to him by the United board, and that’s led to speculation that the 28-year-old has decided his future lies elsewhere.
The Sun claims that he intends to “run his current contract down and talk to other clubs in January” having made up his mind that his United career has run its course.
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De Gea has nine months left before he can leave Old Trafford on a free transfer, and despite attempts by United to persuade him to put pen to paper on a new deal, he has resisted all overtures.
Apparently there was a breakthrough in negotiations in the summer when the shot-stopper agreed in principle on a long-term deal, but he never took the top off his pen and the deal remains unsigned.
PSG pursuit
According to the Sun, Paris Saint-Germain have been “keeping tabs on the situation” but having just signed Keylor Navas from Real Madrid that avenue now looks closed for the French outfit.
Real, of course, have long been linked with a move for De Gea, who is determined to win back his place in the Spain national team in time for next summer’s European Championships after being ousted by Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Juventus in line
The Daily Star claims that De Gea’s most likely destination in January is Juventus with the Italian champions ready to lure him to Turin.
The paper says that Juve “will be allowed to open negotiations” in the new year as they look to replace former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny between the sticks.
Mad for it?
James Maddison has reignited speculation that he could make the move to Old Trafford, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The Leicester City playmaker has caught the eye since arriving at the King Power Stadium a year ago, and there was talk in the summer linking him to United and also Tottenham.
Asked about his future, Maddison said: “I like to think I’ve got my head screwed on with the transfers I’ve made. I’ve played League One, in Scotland, the Championship and the Premier League. I worked my way up… I want to play at the highest level my ability will allow me to.”
Maddison, who was an unused substitute on Saturday as England beat Bulgaria 4-0, is admired by United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for his “creativity”.
The Manchester Evening News says that an offer could be made to Leicester in the new year if United continue to struggle in midfield.
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