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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
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Elliott Jackson

Three ways Manchester United can solve their David de Gea problem in the transfer window

Manchester United are coming to a crossroads this summer in the goalkeeping department.

Dean Henderson and David de Gea have been jostling for the number one shirt for two seasons running and it's a situation that can't spill over to next season.

Both goalkeepers want to be number one and Henderson and MEN Sport reported in February that the Englishman will ask to leave if he's isn't first-choice for next season.

Equally, given De Gea's age and wages, it would be prudent to try and find a buyer for the Spaniard, if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is intent on giving Henderson the number one spot.

Henderson has enjoyed a run of matches in the Premier League for the first time in his Old Trafford career but was dropped for Tuesday's match against Fulham after several mistakes against Liverpool. De Gea is in line for a Europa League final starting spot.

Regardless, it seems inevitable that one of the two will leave this summer, leaving United on the lookout for a new number two, with Sergio Romero also out of contract.

With that in mind, MEN Sport has rounded up several potential targets for the summer window.

Tom Heaton - Aston Villa

The former Manchester United goalkeeper is out of contract this summer after losing his place to Emiliano Martinez.

Heaton was a popular and important figure at Villa Park but a long-term knee injury and the success of Martinez means it's likely the goalkeeper will move on when his current terms expire.

If Heaton is looking for regular first-team football, he could be forced to drop to the Championship, given his age. Alternatively, he could be the perfect support for De Gea/Henderson and already has a previous connection to the club.

The 35-year-old left the club in 2010 after five years with United and a reunion could suit both parties. Heaton is still of Premier League standard and would be a good option in the cup competitions and his experience in the dressing room could be an asset.

Alphonse Areola - Paris Saint-Germain

If Manchester United really want to challenge their number one, Areola would be a fine choice.

The Frenchman has spent the season on loan from Paris Saint-Germain with Fulham and has been one of the Cottagers best performers.

Keylor Navas signed a new contract with the Ligue 1 champions last month and is firmly installed as their number one, meaning the club may look to cash in on Areola.

Should Manchester United sell De Gea? Have your say in the comments section here.

The 28-year-old's current terms with PSG end in 2023, so he would command a fee but, like with Romero, he could be the perfect number two.

Areola will fancy his chance at dislodging the number one, whilst providing an excellent trophy-winning experience. If there was an injury to United's first-choice goalkeeper, Areola would be a very able deputy to step into the breach.

The gamble is that Areola may grow disgruntled in a backup role, given his pedigree, but competition for places remains important.

Sam Johnstone - West Brom

It appears that Johnstone could leave the Hawthorns in the summer after impressing in the Premier League.

The Baggies have several up-and-coming goalkeepers and Johnstone could angle for a top-flight switch following their relegation back to the Championship.

Johnstone, equally, has one year left on his contract and West Brom could, therefore, chose to cash in on the Englishman.

Again, he's another goalkeeper that may want first-team football but could be swayed by his United connections. The 28-year-old spent nine years with his boyhood club before joining West Brom on a permanent deal in 2018 after several loan spells in the EFL.

Reports in the national media have suggested Johnstone would be open to a return to Old Trafford, even as a number two option.

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