Man Utd star 'agrees pay cut' amid reports the club is plotting potential world-record transfer

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has agreed to a pay cut in order to sign a new contract at Old Trafford, according to reports.

The Spaniard, who has been at United since 2011, will see his current contract expire in the summer, and there has been uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

He has won United's Player of the Year award on four occasions, and been named in the Premier League's Team of the Season five times. He is one of only two senior players still at the Red Devils - Phil Jones being the other - to have played a competitive match under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenburg claimed last month that Erik ten Hag's side were not considering an extension of De Gea's contract by another year, despite the player wanting to remain at Old Trafford.

It was also claimed that United were open to signing a new goalkeeper in the summer, with links to Portugal and Porto star Diogo Costa.

The Daily Mail claim that the club are not actively seeking a De Gea replacement, but Spanish outlet AS alleged that they were prepared to break the world transfer record for a goalkeeper in order to bring in the 24-year-old. The current record is held by Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who moved to Stamford Bridge for £71 million in 2017.

A new report on De Gea, meanwhile, suggests a breakthrough may have been made in the Spaniard's contract talks.

De Gea 'agrees to new Man Utd deal'

The Telegraph have reported that De Gea is now willing to take a pay cut in order to extend his existing deal, with his high wages believed to be a reason why United did not trigger their 12-month extension on his contract.

The club are also said to be in talks with Crystal Palace over goalkeeper Jack Butland to provide competition for the Spaniard, with Martin Dubravka having been recalled by Newcastle.

Speaking before Tuesday's 3-0 win over Bournemouth, De Gea was asked about contract talks. He replied: "I'm very relaxed. I just focus on training and perform as best I can.

"But, for sure, it's going to end in a good way. I hope so."

The 32-year-old has now made over 500 appearances for the Red Devils - a landmark reached earlier this season - and he may have taken one step closer to extending his Old Trafford stay.