Erik ten Hag was reportedly behind Manchester United's decision to make a U-Turn on David de Gea's new contract .
De Gea, 32, has entered the final week of his £375,000-a-week deal and will become a free agent on June 30 after United chose not to trigger a one-year extension clause last season. The Spaniard then entered negotiations with the Red Devils, who offered him a new proposal which included a drastic wage reduction.
Reports claimed that De Gea had already agreed and signed the paperwork on fresh terms at Old Trafford, before United decided to pull out in the 11th hour. According to the Daily Mail, it is understood Ten Hag played a massive role in the decision as he was unconvinced about keeping De Gea as his No.1.
De Gea's representatives are still in talks with United over a new deal on even lower wages, but, with three days until he officially becomes a free agent, time is ticking down for his future to be resolved. The ex-Atletico Madrid stopper is said to be keen to keep playing at the highest level amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Mirror Football understands Ten Hag doesn't want to spend a big amount of his £120million transfer kitty on a new goalkeeper, but the Dutchman is open to adding a new first-choice to his ranks. The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Inter Milan's Andre Onana, Everton's Jordan Pickford and Porto's Diogo Costa in recent weeks.
However, with Tom Heaton the only senior stopper officially under contract at United for next season, Ten Hag may be forced to sign one, potentially two goalkeepers. Indeed, Ten Hag's decision to not offer De Gea a new contract suggests he may have backtracked on his stance - and the club may be forced to fork out on a big-money goalkeeper.
Onana has been tipped to reunite with Ten Hag at the Red Devils. The pair worked together at Ajax, before Ten Hag made the switch to United and Onana joined Inter on a free transfer. Onana, who was banned from football for nine months between February 2021 and November 2021, made 10 appearances in Ten Hag's final season at Ajax.
Meanwhile, Pickford could leave Everton this summer, despite only signing a new four-year deal with the Toffees back in February. When he signed that contract, the Englishman insisted he wanted to build a legacy, though it appears Everton are preparing for his departure - with Sam Johnstone linked with a move to Goodison Park.
As for Costa, Chelsea are supposedly leading the race to sign the Portugal international for £64.5m. According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the Blues are preparing to pay his release clause in instalments as Mauricio Pochettino tries to replace Edouard Mendy, who is set to join the Saudi Pro League.
