MANCHESTER UNITED hero David de Gea is being targeted by Real Betis ahead of the summer transfer window after a whole YEAR without a club.
De Gea, 33, left United last June when his contract ran out after 12 years at Old Trafford, during which time he won every domestic honour available.
The goalkeeper was quickly linked with a series of suitors, including Betis and Real Madrid, but his salary demands proved too much for all candidates and he has spent the entire campaign as a free agent.
According to Estadio Deportivo, however, the La Liga giants are planning to make another bid for the ex-Spain international come June.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are planning to contact De Gea’s representatives regarding his situation.
It is expected that the Spain star will have to lower his demands considering his advanced age, and the fact he has been out of the game for an entire year.
Read More on Man Utd
The ex-Premier League star would also be keen to settle in Spain with his family also open to the full-time switch.
Betis will need a new keeper as Claudio Bravo has turned 41 and is on his way out.
Rui Silva has also attracted a series of suitors after a raft of impressive performances at the Benito Villamarin Stadium.
Silva has a contract until 2026 but Serie A clubs are circling in and Betis are open for negotiations.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
However, the Spanish outfit has other potential candidates to fill in between the sticks besides De Gea.
And one of them is Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena, who could become available amid his club’s financial woes.
De Gea amassed a total of 545 appearances at United where he picked up 190 clean sheets and conceded 590 goals.
The Spaniard won the Premier League Golden Glove last season after registering the most clean sheets in the English top flight.
Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk