By SABC Sport
13th June 2023
Saudi Arabian clubs are trying to lure Spain goalkeeper David de Gea from Manchester United this summer despite his renewal talks being close to completion.
The 32-year-old has been in contract renewal negotiations with the Red Devils with his current contract due to end on 30 June, and talks are reported to be at an advanced stage.
Should talks collapse at the final stages, then the Spaniard will become available on the market as a free agent from July 1.
Saudi Arabian sides have already shown their intent to sign top players after having recently lured 35-year-old striker Karim Benzema (Al Ittihad) to the Saudi Professional League from Real Madrid during this summer transfer window.
The wealthy Asian clubs are also in talks with numerous other players in Europe including Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, 32, and striker Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, 33.
Manchester United are in the market for a new goalkeeper as well, which may indicate that De Gea could face tougher competition for the number one spot if he decides to commit to stay at Old Trafford for another season.
Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, 23, reportedly heads manager Eric ten Hag's goalkeeper target list at United, who are also monitoring Chelsea target Inter Milan shot-stopper Andre Onana, 27, and Brentford's David Raya, 27 who is close to a Tottenham Hotspur move.
The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper has played in 545 matches for Manchester United, conceding 590 goals with 190 clean sheets.