Manchester United are reportedly hoping to strike a deal for golden glove winner David de Gea in a potential boost to Rangers’ pursuit of Crystal Palace stopper Jack Butland.
According to the Sun, Manchester United remain hopeful of striking a new contract with 32-year-old Spanish stopper David de Gea as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract.
The report claims that United will hope to convince the keeper – who joined the Red Devils from Atletico Madrid for £17m in 2011 – to take a massive pay cut at Old Trafford.
Currently on a whopping £375k per week, the report claims United hope to cut David de Gea’s wages in half by offering the goalkeeper a testimonial.
This comes with the stopper being awarded the Premier League Golden Glove, which is given to the goalie with the most clean sheets across the course of a season.
While there is still one game to go this season, De Gea’s record of 17 clean sheets cannot be beaten and it’s a credit to the defensive proficiency of his club this season.
Could David de Gea Man Utd deal sway Rangers Jack Butland move?
Where Rangers come in is with links to Jack Butland, who is currently on loan at Old Trafford and playing second fiddle to legendary Spanish stopper De Gea.
Reports are suggesting that Rangers have struck a deal for Butland, who is out of contract at Crystal Palace come the end of the season, to replace club legend Allan McGregor.
But these have also been tempered by conflicting reports, many of which claim United present a genuine obstacle to any Ibrox deal for the former England international.
According to some, United are prepared to double Butland’s wage while Rangers are looking for the ‘keeper to take a wage cut.
The situation will come to a head as the season rolls to a close this week. But, as long as Butland’s future is undecided, it will have Rangers, Crystal Palace and Manchester United fans mulling over his next move.
Needless to say, if United strike a new deal with De Gea, perhaps it can nudge Butland closer to Rangers and the promise of first-team football.