So after months and months of speculation, the good old Daily Mail might just have settled a debate that’s been on the lips of United fans since the start of this season. As we come to April, and with only a few games left of the current Premiership, Manchester United fans have been growing ever more nervous at the impending retirement of goalkeeper, Edwin Van Der Sar.
Van Der Sar has been one of United’s outstanding performers this season, and the Red Devils looked finally to have found a keeper to rival the great Dane, Peter Schmicheal. His retirement without a quality replacement, was giving Sir Alex nightmares (I think) but the Mail has reported that United have sealed a £17.8 million move for Athletico Madrid’s David De Gea. The 20 year old is supposed to be moving to Old Trafford on a 5 year deal.
Whether this is just paper-talk is the real question. De Gea has apparently already stated that he’s not going anywhere, but Chelsea are also supposed to be interested in the Spanish international. Goal.com have already featured a story that has the young keeper refuting claims of a deal abroad. He described the rumour as nothing but ‘lies.’
In the last few weeks, the Transfer Tavern revealed that Manchester United’s goalkeeping coach Eric Steele has been learning Spanish. At the time we suggested that it was becuase the club were preparing a bid for Liverpool’s Pepe Reina. It looks as though Ferguson may have had another Spaniard goalie in mind all along.
If the rumour is true, it will surely be one of the most expensive deals for a goalkeeper in the history of the game. Is it a risk worth taking on a 20 year old? Ferguson’s is no mug, and he doesn’t often get it wrong in the transfer market, but his history of signing keepers has been poor. Taibi anyone?? That said, De Gea is considered one of the best in Europe at the moment and is seen in his native Spain as the natural successor to Iker Casillas.
It’s just paper talk though. Right?? Right??
Follow Peter Turner on Twitter @petermagpie
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