Juventus are reportedly plotting January talks to land Manchester United superstar David de Gea, who is in the final year of his deal at Old Trafford.
According to a report by Daily Express, Juventus are weighing up a move to land another top star on a free transfer. The Serie A champions have their sights set on David de Gea, who has less than a year remaining on his Manchester United contract, and are planning to open talks with him in at the turn of the year.
David de Gea’s long running contract stand-off has become quite a predicament for Manchester United. The Red Devils have been negotiating a new deal with the Spaniard for well over a year now, but have been unable to reach an agreement with him over a renewal.
The goalkeeper’s alarming drop in form has only added to Manchester United’s miseries. And, there were suggestions this summer that Manchester United would be open to the idea of cashing in on him, if they were unable to agree a new deal with de Gea.
But, ahead of the start of the 2019-20 season, widespread reports had claimed that the Premier League heavyweights were set to tie him down to a bumper new contract. However, that has not come to pass thus far and the situation is becoming concerning for Manchester United. United’s loss though, could be Juventus’ gain.
But, the interest from Juventus comes as a bit of a surprise. The Serie A champions currently have three recognised goalkeepers on their payroll at present – Wojciech Szczesny, Mattia Perin and Gianluigi Buffon.
While Buffon’s return to Juventus is only likely to be short-lived, considering the stage of his career, in Perin and Szczesny, the Bianconeri have two of the best goalkeepers in Italy currently, with Szczesny being one of the top custodians across the world. So, it is curious as to how de Gea comes into the scheme of things.
Nevertheless, if Express are to be believed, Juventus are keeping a keen eye on de Gea’s contract situation. The report suggests that the Italian champions will begin contract talks with the Spanish international if his impasse with Manchester United is not resolved by the turn of the year.
Indeed, with de Gea out of contract at Old Trafford next summer, foreign clubs can approach him for talks starting January over a Bosman deal. And, should they swoop him away from Manchester United, the 28-year-old will be the latest in the line of superstars who would have made their way to Turin on a free transfer; Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot were the latest such players.
For now, it remains to be seen if Manchester United can finally reach an agreement with David de Gea over a new deal and thereby, keep him away from the prying hands of suitors. If not, Juventus could end up making a move for him, starting with contract talks in January.
