Barcelona 'considering move for free agent David de Gea'

Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for David de Gea to boost their goalkeeping department.

The 33-year-old is still available on a free transfer following his release from Manchester United last summer.

De Gea has been linked with a number of clubs since his departure from the 20-time English champions, but he remains a free agent and is said to be patiently waiting for the right opportunity to return to football.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are considering a move for the Spaniard, viewing him a the ideal signing to boost their goalkeeping department, which is inexperienced.

The report claims that the Catalan giants view him as the perfect back-up for current number one Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who recently returned to first-team action after a back operation.

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Having suffered a back injury over the November international break, Ter Stegen underwent an operation which ruled him out until earlier this month, making his return against Granada on February 11.

The 31-year-old has now featured in Barcelona's last three La Liga matches, in addition to the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with Napoli on February 21.

In his absence, Inaki Pena enjoyed a run in the side, with the 24-year-old making 17 appearances this season, but he dropped back down to number two upon Ter Stegen's return.

There is a lack of experience beyond Ter Stegen and Pena, though, with Ander Astralaga, 19, Diego Kochen, 17, and Aron Yaakobishvili, 17, also a part of the goalkeeping department.

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De Gea would seemingly have to be willing to be a number two if he arrived at Barcelona, and it is unclear whether that appeals to him at this stage of his career.

The goalkeeper made 545 appearances during his time at Man United, including 58 outings last term, but he was released last summer, with Andre Onana moving to Old Trafford as the new number one.

De Gea has experience of operating in La Liga, meanwhile, playing 57 times in the competition for Atletico Madrid in the early stages of his career.

Barcelona's ongoing financial problems mean that they will again need to inventive in the transfer market this summer in order to boost their squad for next season.

There will also be a new manager at Camp Nou this summer, with current head coach Xavi announcing at the end of January that he will be standing down from his position at the end of the campaign.