MANCHESTER UNITED are set to trigger extensions in five players’ contracts including Marcus Rashford and David de Gea, according to reports.
The Red Devils have a dozen stars set to be out of contract next summer.
Club chiefs are usually reluctant to even let fringe players leave for free, seeking to protect any value they may hold.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United are planning to trigger one-year extensions in the contracts of Rashford, De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Fred.
Rashford, 24, was linked with Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and has started the season in red hot form.
The England international has three goals and three assists in six Prem games so far under Erik ten Hag and United want to keep their homegrown hero around at Old Trafford.
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They will initially trigger a 12-month extension prior to January in order to prevent him from being able to talk to clubs overseas, such as PSG.
Then they plan to agree a new longer-term deal with Rashford.
De Gea is also set to see his £350,000-a-week contract extended by 12 months.
The Spaniard, 31, has indicated that he would be happy to finish his career at Old Trafford.
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During the summer, he said: “Yeah, if it’s possible, of course. If they let me stay here I will stay here, for sure. I’m really comfortable, really happy and hopefully before I leave we can win something.
“I didn’t talk with anyone yet but of course, I would be really happy to be here for as long as they want because I want to be here for more years.”
Having usurped Aaron Wan-Bissaka as first choice right-back, Dalot is also set for a new deal.
While initially triggering a 12-month extension, United will open talks over fresh terms for the 23-year-old.
Dalot and his representatives are said to be “relaxed” about the situation.
Shaw, 27, has seen his place in the starting XI wrestled away by new signing Tyrell Malacia in recent weeks.
But, for now at least, United wouldn’t be willing to let the England international leave for nothing next summer.
Recent examples of United triggering extensions include Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard – although they failed to come to an agreement with either for deals further than the initial 12 months.
Another recently dropped player that is in line to stay is midfielder Fred.
The Brazilian began the season in the team, but has been dropped from the starting XI since the 4-0 defeat at Brentford.
Man United do NOT plan to trigger an extension in Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract.
The Red Devils misfit is in the final year of his £500,000-a-week deal and is likely to leave next summer.
Defensive duo Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are also set to go having struggled to stay fit in recent years. – although a deal may be reached with veteran third choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton.
Meanwhile, decisions will have to be made on youngsters Ethan Laird, Teden Mengi and Nathan Bishop.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
