Gossip: De Gea 'could leave on a free', Chelsea lead race for Pulisic
Manchester United have been having a rough time of it on the pitch since Alex Ferguson left the club, and now they could start paying the price for their lack of organisation off it, too.
David de Gea is the first player they could lose. The club and player thought they were close to agreeing a new deal all the way back in June, with wages not a bone of contention for either side. However, De Gea now wants to win something, having just one league title in his eight seasons at the club – it does not appear that will change any time soon.
United’s failure to perform means that De Gea has stalled on signing the new deal, and United are considering activating a one-year contract extension in order to preserve his resale value over the next 12 months, should they need to sell him in the summer rather than lose him for nothing
The Evening Standard reports that Juventus are ready to snap up the player, with Real Madrid content with Thibaut Courtois back in goal.
READ MORE: Pulisic open to Premier League move with Chelsea leading chase
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READ MORE: United counting the cost as De Gea contract talks rumble on
Elsewhere, the Sun report on another potential Old Trafford exit. Chris Smalling has a year left on his current deal, and United also have the chance to extend that by 12 more months. Everton manager Marco Silva is keen on the central defender if he becomes available on a free transfer, and has sent scouts to watch him in action.
Smalling is currently on £90,000 a week and is aiming to renegotiate a big raise on his current wages, which may put off those clubs who are expecting a reliable performer, something Smalling is not.
Chelsea lead pack for Pulisic
Chelsea are ahead in the race for Borussia Dortmund forward Christian Pulisic, according to the Guardian.
The 20 year old has not entered into negotiations with a contract extension with his current club, and speaking to the press ahead of America’s friendly game against England, he talked of his ambition to play in the Premier League one day, saying: “England, the Premier League, is a league where lots of kids dream of playing so there is no reason why maybe one day I won’t play here.”
With Eden Hazard consistently linked with a move to Real Madrid, Pulisic might be under consideration as a potential replacement.
Maurizio Sarri’s club is also willing to listen to loan offers for central defender Gary Cahill. The club are willing to make an exception for Cahill, despite his contract running down, because of his service to the club over the years, and will allow him to put himself in the shop window for any summer move. West Ham and Southampton are mentioned as potential suitors in the Mail.
Ashley in USA for Newcastle talks
Mike Ashley could be on the cusp of selling Newcastle United. The club have been up for sale for the last couple of years, with no deal yet secured. However, the Mirror reports that Ashley is in America to discuss the possibility of a £350 million deal.
Any purchase would be complicated by the drop-off in form this season, with Rafael Benitez in a relegation fight just a year after finishing in the top half, and dropping down a league would wipe off millions from the club’s valuation.
