"Something can happen…" – Erik ten Hag drops David de Gea hint with signing close to being completed

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has explained the club's surprise move for Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland.

United are in talks to sing Butland on loan until the end of the season after Martin Dubvraka was recalled from his loan spell at Old Trafford by Newcastle United.

The deal for Butland could potentially be made permanent at the end of the campaign but United may have to pay a transfer fee for the former England international.

While he is out of contract at the end of the season, Palace hold an option to extend his current deal by a further year.

Butland is set to undergo a medical with United on Thursday with the deal expected to be completed soon.

Speaking ahead of United's FA Cup third round tie against Everton on Friday, Ten Hag explained his decision to make a move for Butland.

"So Martin was recalled and now to set up we need a squad with three experienced goalkeepers," said Ten Hag.

"We have some young ones and they do well, but we have so many games. So you need three good goalies in training but also when they are problems, you need experience in goal to get your goals, what you are aiming for."

Ten Hag drops hint over De Gea's future

Ten Hag went on to confirm that David de Gea will remain his No 1 goalkeeper and insists he is "very happy" with the Spaniard.

De Gea is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move away from the club, who are reluctant to trigger a one-year extension in his current deal.

United want him to lower his salary and reports suggest De Gea is willing to take a pay cut to remain at Old Trafford.

"I'm really happy with David, it's quite clear," added Ten Hag.

"He's our No 1, he's a really good performer but there's always something that can happen - with David as well, and you have to be prepared for that moment when you are unlucky.

"Last year I had a situation with Ajax we had three goalies injured and you don't want a position that at the end of the season when hopefully you can play for trophies, and you have to put in a young keeper. You can't expect it from a young goalkeeper and it can kill your season.

"That's what you have to be prepared for."