The last two weeks of this summer’s transfer window are turning out to be pretty frantic – even by Manchester United’s standards.
There are several areas that are in desperate need of surgery and United are making moves to address some of them, with a backup to David de Gea on the agenda.
The 31-year-old has one year remaining on his contract and his own future is up in the air but for now, there is no settled understudy at the club after Dean Henderson joined Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.
Tom Heaton, the former Burnley shot-stopper, was the third-choice last year but earlier this month, it emerged that United are pushing to sign a second-choice goalkeeper.
According to The Telegraph, the Old Trafford club have now identified Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic as an alternative for De Gea on the bench.
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As per the report, the former Bournemouth and Chelsea star is seen as the ‘perfect’ backup to De Gea due to his experience and longevity in the game. A deal won’t be easy, however, with Frank Lampard said to be determined to keep him at Goodison Park.
Everton are believed to be confident of keeping Begovic for the remainder of his contract and the Merseyside club will reportedly only consider a sale if a replacement can be signed.
The report comes the day after United were linked with a move for experienced goalkeeper Yann Sommer, who also has 12 months remaining on his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach.
SN’s verdict…
It would be unwise for United to go into this season with just De Gea and Heaton but in truth, you must wonder whether there is enough time to plug all the holes in Erik ten Hag’s squad.
He is currently short of options in a number of areas and it remains to be seen whether signing a goalkeeper is high enough on the club’s list of priorities.
Begovic is also a fairly underwhelming target. He was deemed not good enough to be Chelsea’s backup goalkeeper anymore five years ago. At 35, he is another short-term solution to a long-term issue.
Man U treated decent de Gea back ups like Dean & Romero very badly.Bad bad decision making at this club.Appalling!!!!