Saudi Arabian sides are prepared to offer David de Gea a ‘substantial pay rise’ in a bid to sign the Manchester United goalkeeper.
De Gea’s contract at Manchester United expires next week and there has been no agreement reached on an extension, despite an initial expectation that the Spaniard would renew. United had hoped to agree a new contract on reduced terms, but the 32-year-old now appears to be heading for an exit.
The Evening Standard are reporting that De Gea is set to receive lucrative proposals to move to The Saudi Pro League, as the nation continues to invest money into recruiting high-profile names from overseas.
Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante are among the players who have confirmed transfers to Saudi Arabia this summer, with the duo having signed deals with Al-Ittihad.
De Gea is now the latest target, in a remarkable recruitment drive funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has taken ownership of the country’s four leading football clubs – Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal – in a bid to grow the domestic division.
According to the report, the Spanish goalkeeper could receive a ‘substantial’ increase on the proposed contract extension at Old Trafford.
United have held talks with the agent of Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this week as the Red Devils consider potential replacements for De Gea.
