David De Gea is reportedly bound to replace Casillas at Real Madrid next season. We analyse five players that Manchester United could sign to replace De Gea.
David De Gea has been rumoured to join Real Madrid in the summer. The Spaniard is yet to extend his Manchester United contract, which comes to an end in 2016. It is reported that the keeper is biding his time at the Old Trafford and will force a move in the summer.
De Gea has been a vital cog in Manchester Uniteda s league performance this season, which sees them third in the Premier League and poised to qualify for the Champions League. If the Red Devils cash in on De Gea in summer, Louis Van Gaal will have to bring in an able replacement for the former Atletico stopper.
Here are five goalkeepers that could potentially replace David De Gea, should he leave for Real Madrid.
Hugo Lloris
The French joined Tottenham Hotspur from Lyon in 2012. Since then, Lloris has been a consistent performer for Spurs and is now in fine form. However, after moving from Lyon, Lloris has had no opportunities to play Champions League football for Spurs. Like most players, the France international might be tempted to join an elite club that will offer him regular Champions League football. Manchester United is a club that can lure the keeper in the summer. However, Lloris signed a 5-year contract with Spurs in July, which means that Manchester United might have to spend a hefty amount to sign the 28-year old.
Samir Handanovic
Handanovic joined Inter Milan from Udinese for a fee believed to be in the region of a 11 million. The keeper has been in fine form and has been in limelight for his immense ability to make penalty saves. The Slovenian is out of contract at the end of next season and is yet to sign an extension with the Italian club. Manchester United could use Champions League football as a bait to lure Handanovic as well, considering the chances of Inter qualifying for Champions League next season are next to impossible.
Keylor Navas
Navas joined Real Madrid from Levante, last summer, after impressive performances in the World Cup. However, the keeper has failed to replace Casillas in the starting 11 and has made only four league appearances so far for the European champions. Now that Real Madrid are considering to bring in De Gea as a long-term replacement for Casillas, there is hardly any possibility of Navas making it to the starting line-up next season. Manchester United can ask Real Madrid to include the Costa Rica international in the De Gea deal.
Jan Oblak
Atletico Madrid paid A?12.6 million to acquire the services of Jan Oblak from Benfica last summer. The Slovenia international has made only 5 league appearances and three Champions League appearances for Atletico Madrid so far. However, his performances over the two legs of the quarter-finals against Real Madrid have garnered a lot of praise. The keeper proved his mettle in a tough and demanding match against arguably the best attack in the world. This might mean that the former Benfica man might not be satisfied with a bit-part role with a Los Rojiblancosa for long. While, it will be costly and difficult to convince Atletico to sell the keeper, but if Manchester United manage to tempt them with a solid offer, it will be worth the trouble.
Victor Valdes
The former Barcelona man has joined Manchester United in January and sees himself playing second fiddle to De Gea. If David De Gea leaves in the summer and Manchester United fail to secure a good replacement for the Spaniard, Valdes is a reliable option already at their disposal. Valdes has enjoyed an illustrious career in his time at Barcelona, winning 21 trophies for the club. The Spaniard is an experienced figure and Manchester United can rely on him until they find an apt replacement for David De Gea
