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Manchester United line up Jordan Pickford as David de Gea replacement?

Man United line up Pickford as De Gea replacement?
© Reuters
Manchester United may reportedly move for Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford if David de Gea does not pen a contract extension at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have allegedly identified Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a potential summer transfer target.

The Red Devils currently face going into 2023-24 with three senior stoppers on their books, their crop being reduced by the exit of Crystal Palace loanee Jack Butland.

However, there is an air of uncertainty over their options between the sticks with Tom Heaton now 37 years of age and Dean Henderson, who has spent this campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest, yet to prove himself to Erik ten Hag.

United also have work to do if they want to retain the services of long-serving David de Gea at a time when he has just over six weeks left on his contract.

The Red Devils have rejected the opportunity to trigger an automatic 12-month extension due to the size of De Gea's wages, and a compromise is yet to be reached despite positive indications from both parties.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with goalkeeper David de Gea on October 30, 2022© Reuters

United are left in a position where alternatives must be considered with Ten Hag under pressure to put together a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title over the coming years.

According to the Daily Star, Pickford has emerged as a potential target for United if they need to enter the transfer market.

In February, the England extended his deal at Goodison Park until 2027, although his stay is dependent on Everton retaining their status in the Premier League.

That bid was boosted on Monday as the Toffees thrashed Brighton & Hove Albion, moving them two points clear of the drop zone with three matches remaining.

Everton manager Sean Dyche on February 4, 2023© Reuters

Nevertheless, Everton's financial issues means that a lucrative approach for Pickford may be too good to turn down, particularly if they can find a suitable alternative for a lower fee.

United are also said to be interested in Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, whose stock has rose in recent months with a call-up to the Netherlands squad.

The 20-year-old lacks the experience of Pickford, yet the prospect played his part in helping Anderlecht reach the quarter-finals of this season's Europa Conference League.

United are unlikely to make any final decision on their goalkeeping situation until they have determined whether they will feature in next season's Champions League, Ten Hag's side coming under pressure from Liverpool who are now within a point of fourth spot in the Premier League table.

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Anderlecht's Bart Verbruggen and teammates celebrate winning the penalty shootout on February 23, 2023
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