David de Gea has become a free agent for the first time in his professional career, with the goalkeeper's contract at Manchester United coming to an end on Saturday.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the 32-year-old's future in recent months, but it had been thought that he would pen a new deal before the end of June.
De Gea is believed to have recently come to an agreement with Man United over a new contract, which would have seen him take a substantial pay cut on his £375,000-a-week salary.
However, the Red Devils are said to have withdrawn the offer at the final moment and placed a new one on the table, which would have further decreased his wage packet.
The two parties have been unable to come to an agreement, meaning that the club's long-serving goalkeeper is now a free agent and able to move to another club, including those from England.
© Reuters
Man United said in a statement on Friday that discussions with De Gea would continue.
"David De Gea's contract is due to run out but discussions remain open with the long-serving keeper," read a message on the club's official website as part of a squad update.
The Spaniard is due to get married this weekend, and it is understood that talks between the two parties will not resume until the start of next week.
Man United allegedly remain open to re-signing De Gea, but the speculation surrounding a possible move for Inter Milan stopper Andre Onana is gathering pace at this stage of the window.
© Reuters
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed Man United's interest in the Cameroonian, who could become the club's number one goalkeeper for the 2023-24 campaign.
De Gea made the move to Old Trafford from Atletico Madrid in 2011, and he has represented the 20-time English champions on 545 occasions, keeping 190 clean sheets in the process.
Last season, the stopper featured on 58 occasions in all competitions, keeping 25 clean sheets, including 17 in the Premier League, which saw him secure the Golden Glove.
De Gea was criticised for some high-profile errors in 2022-23, though, notably against Sevilla in the Europa League and West Ham United in the Premier League.
There have also been question marks surrounding the Spaniard's suitability to a Ten Hag side looking to play out from the back, and as it stands, he will be plying his trade elsewhere during the 2023-24 campaign.
Matt Law
