In a shock development, Manchester United are reportedly in talks to bring in veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant from Stoke City in the summer.
Manchester United have done some interesting deals in the transfer market over the years. But, the recent reports suggest one more could be added to the list. The Red Devils are interested in the services of Lee Grant from Stoke City on a permanent deal, with talks already underway between the clubs for the transfer of the veteran goalkeeper, according to Sky Sports.
Lee Grant has been a journeyman his entire footballing career. But, an emergency loan deal from Derby County to Stoke City saw him finally fulfil the promise of being a regular for a Premier League team. With Stoke City facing a goalkeeping crisis amidst a long-term injury to Jack Butland, Grant stepped up and took over the reins.
Not only did Grant put in impressive performances, but his displays ensured Stoke City achieved a respectable position on the Premier League table for the 2016-17 campaign. Stoke City rewarded Grant’s form by turning the loan deal into a permanent move.
But, with Butland having recovered, Lee Grant found himself on the bench for almost entirety of the 2017-18 season. 3 appearances in the Premier League were far from what Grant had envisaged. Stoke City though, now join his former side Derby in the Championship.
But, Lee Grant could be in for a return to the Premier League before the start of the season, albeit in a development that not many had seen coming. Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Stoke City to sign the veteran Englishman. Grant will become the third-choice at Manchester United, according to the report.
The move makes little sense, with Manchester United so stacked in the goalkeeping department that they had to let go a couple of decent youngsters in the position, after their respective deals expired. Dean Henderson though, did sign an extension and could have been an able third-choice for the club.
In reality, Joel Castro Pereira is likely to be the third choice at Manchester United. But, there is speculation that the player could be sent on loan to gather experience, which could be a potential reason behind United pursuing a deal for Grant.
Still, United have enough goalkeepers to fall back on, should David De Gea and Sergio Romero both be injured or unavailable at the same time.
Manchester United have already seen a fair share of fans take the news of Marouane Fellaini’s contract extension in an adverse manner. And the same fans are unlikely to be happy about their club chasing a 35-year-old to be the third choice at the club when there are home-grown options available at Jose Mourinho’s disposal.
