David de Gea has finally signed a new contract that will keep the goalkeeper at Manchester United until 2023.
De Gea had entered the final year of his current deal at Old Trafford and therefore could start discussing terms with foreign clubs in January.
As BBC Sport reports, the Spain international has been heavily linked with Real Madrid in the past. De Gea even came close to joining them in 2015, before a £29m transfer fell through because the necessary paperwork was not submitted in time.
The Red Devils have been in talks with the 28-year-old for more than two years. Now they have finally managed to get De Gea to commit his long-term future to the club.
What De Gea contract means for Sheffield United
This news could have a knock on effect that greatly interests the Blades. They currently have a Man United ‘keeper on their books in Dean Henderson.
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Henderson has just begun his second season on loan at Bramall Lane, having had a key role in their promotion from the Championship in 2018/19.
The 22-year-old played every minute of their league campaign and kept more clean sheets than anyone else in the division. He also helped Chris Wilder’s men to the joint best defensive record.
Henderson has continued that good work in the Premier League. England manager Gareth Southgate has been spotted watching the stopper ahead of an expected call-up.
Henderson has made no secret of his desire to break into the Red Devils first team. In an interview with the Daily Mail this summer, he said: “Do I think I should be playing at Manchester United now? Yes I do.
“I think I am good enough and I would help the team a lot, in a positive way.
“If not there I’m sure I could go back to Sheffield United, play a season and then I’ll prove to Manchester United what they are missing.”
Henderson is self confident and ambitious. He thinks he is good enough to play for his boyhood side, but won’t be happy sitting on the bench either.
Yet De Gea looks set to be first choice for the foreseeable future. Perhaps, if the Blades stay up, Henderson could be convinced to join the south Yorkshire team permanently?