Manchester United Line Up Another David De Gea Replacement

Manchester United are planning for a potential future without David de Gea, and have got their eyes set on a Premier League goalkeeper to be his replacement.

De Gea had a poor year for United, from the return of football from the Covid break in June 2020 until the end of last season, leading to questions about his future at Old Trafford.

However this season he has returned to his former brilliant form and been one of the team's best players, and saving them on multiple occasions.

His contract expires in 18 months time and the club are planning on what to do should he decide to leave, and they've added a new name to their wishlist.

According to the Daily Star, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is one of their top two targets to potentially replace De Gea, and they could make a £50 million move for him.

Martinez has proved to be one of the league's best keepers at Villa. Image: PA Images

Martinez was at Arsenal from 2012 but only got his chance to be a regular in June 2020, after Bernd Leno was injured in a game with Brighton.

When the German returned to fitness, Martinez was told he wouldn't be the club's number one goalkeeper so was allowed to move to Villa.

The Argentine's form for the Premier League side led to many questions from fans about if the Gunners had made the right decision to sell him.

Arsenal's choice has been appeased this season, but only with the addition of Aaron Ramsey from Sheffield United in the summer.

As well as Martinez, United have previously linked with a move for Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier should they need a De Gea replacement.

Meslier has also been linked with United. Image: PA Images

The Leeds number one is only 21-years-old but has been impressing for Marcelo Bielsa's team since helping them return to the Premier League.

Meslier is considered the 'best young keeper in the Premier League' by the Old Trafford club, who could even make a move for him if Dean Henderson leaves the club.

Henderson looked like he could become the number one last season, when De Gea returned to Spain for the birth of his daughter, but Covid and De Gea's form have left him without much game time this season.

The England keeper reportedly wants the chance to play at the World Cup next winter and might need to leave the club in January in order to get some game time.

Topics: Transfers, Manchester United, Aston Villa, David De Gea, Emiliano Martinez, Premier League

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a journalist for SPORTbible with over eight years of experience. Passionate about all sports, he mainly covers football and F1 - Daniel Ricciardo once spent an entire interview referring to him as 'Ryan Gosling,' still his proudest moment.

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