David de Gea is currently in talks with a new club, according to reports, as he finally looks set to make a much-anticipated return.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper, who became a free agent in July after failing to agree terms on a new contract at Manchester United, has been on the lookout for a new club for some time.
He has been linked with a host of clubs after ending his 12-year stay at Old Trafford. Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, who have brought Neymar, Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to the Middle East, made their interest known early on.
And back in November, De Gea was strongly linked with a move to La Liga side Real Betis. In fact, it was even reported that the goalkeeper had 'opened negotiations' with the club, but manager Manuel Pellegrini later played down those suggestions, saying: "If you ask me I would say I don't think so."
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It has been six months since the former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper said goodbye to the Premier League but it appears a move could be on the horizon in January after it was suggested that De Gea has entered discussions with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab over a potential transfer.
That's according to the Daily Mail, who suggest Al Shabab are making a move for the Spanish goalkeeper after former Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic agreed to join the Riyadh-based club.
Rakitic will take a medical on Sunday, according to Fabrizio Romano, as he looks set to leave La Liga strugglers Sevilla with his contract set to expire in 2024.
It is also said the SPL team will also make a move for Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech.
De Gea, meanwhile, is said to be 'in talks' with Al Shabab, who currently sit 11th in the Saudi Pro League table after picking up five wins from a possible 19. It is also worth noting that they don't play again until mid-February as a result of their mid-season break.
De Gea has not been short of offers in recent months. The Athletic claim the experienced goalkeeper received 'multiple offers and enquiries' during the summer window, which ranged from big teams in Europe to bottom-half Premier League clubs.
He was, however, reluctant to drop down the league and nothing could be agreed.
Topics: David De Gea, Saudi Pro League, Manchester United, Premier League, Transfers
Jack Kenmare