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David de Gea, Manchester United and Spain's number one, has been in exceptional form over the years for both club and country. His quality has been of vital importance to United as he has earned a lot of points for his team by making some crucial saves. The Spaniard has constantly been a subject of interest to Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants came close to signing the Spaniard in 2015 but the move fell through due to some faulty paperwork. However, reports in Spain suggest that The Galacticos would be up for De Gea again as they plan a heavy squad revamp in the summer. Jose Mourinho would be reluctant to sell arguably the best goalkeeper in the world presently until he finds a proper replacement for the Spanish number one. Here, we take a look at the possible options Jose could be looking at, in case De Gea does leave for Spain.
#1 Manuel Neuer
It would be fair enough to say that De Gea is the best presently because the world has not seen Neuer play since April 2017. The German has constantly been providing some breathtaking saves which have proved to play a crucial role in his team winning.
Jose would possibly be looking to splash the cash he gets from De Gea's deal on the German, so as to maintain the standards of goalkeeping at Old Trafford. Neuer would be fit in time for the World Cup in Russia. A few good performances would be enough to ensure that the 31-year-old has not lost his spark at all.
#2 Jack Butland
The youngster may need some introduction but he is clearly one of the most talented players in England. Butland currently plays for the English club, Stoke City. Premier League followers need absolutely no convincing about his abilities. The 24-year-old is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the League only to be bettered by De Gea, Ederson or Courtois.
He has 18 clean sheets to his name in 64 appearances (not to mention the quality of defence in front of him). The Englishman would not cost a fortune to United. Moreover, in him, Jose would get a player who has proven himself in the Premier League and has a long enough career in front of him.
#3 Gianluigi Donnarumma
Long considered one of Italy's most exciting prospects, and one of the most promising young footballers of his generation, Donnarumma is widely regarded as the heir to Buffon. At the age of 18, he is being pursued by Europe's elite.
Real Madrid were prepared to offer £87 million for the Italian but Milan did not consider selling him.The Italian was later subjected to the wrath of Milan fans when he refused to sign a contract extension with the club. However, he penned down a new deal which would keep him at San Siro till 2021. If United come up with an offer tempting enough for the Italian club to accept, they would be getting a natural replacement for David de Gea.
#4 Jan Oblak
When the rumors of Real Madrid being interested in De Gea came up in 2017, the representatives of Oblak flew to England to discuss a potential move for the Slovenian in case the Red Devils lost de Gea to Real.
Thereon, it was clear that Jose saw Oblak as an ideal replacement for the Spaniard. Oblak has been a consistent performer for Atletico and is widely being regarded as the best goalkeeper in the La Liga alongside Ter Stegen. The 25-year-old would be a good signing for United but Atletico won't let Oblak leave unless United agree to pay his £77.5 million release clause.
#5 Kasper Schmeichel
There could nothing better for United than bringing the natural heir to their legendary goalkeeper to be the custodian of the Old Trafford nets. The 31-year-old currently plays for Leicester City and has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past. Kasper has inherited the quality reflexes from his father and is among the better goalkeepers playing in England.
It would be a dream move for the Danish goalkeeper as he would be standing between the same sticks which his father proudly guarded. A move for Schmeichel would be joyously greeted at the Theater of Dreams.
