DAVID DE GEA is unwilling to take an £8million-a-year pay cut at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United keeper has no plans to run down his current £375,000-a-week deal and leave on a free next year while United want to keep him — but are also trying to reduce their wage bill.
David De Gea has noGetty
The Spaniard, 32, is also keen to stay after 12 years with United but their latest £200,000-a-week is less than fellow 30-somethings Casemiro and Rafa Varane.
Yet De Gea and United are still confident of a compromise with both sides keen on a further three-year stay.
Hopes of Marcel Sabitzer also being at United next term rest with Bayern Munich dropping their £25million asking price for the Austrian midfielder.
Manager Erik ten Hag is plotting a major summer overhaul of his squad.
A striker, centre-back and “dynamic” midfielder are all said to be on his wishlist.
The front man seems likely to be Napoli goal machine Victor Osimhen, who has scored 21 goals in 23 Serie A games.
But Ten Hag wants quality reinforcements in all areas of the pitch.
After shelling out over £200million in the summer on Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia, money was tight in the January window.
Ten Hag added to his squad by bringing in Marcel Sabitzer, Wout Weghorst and Jack Butland on temporary deals.
But permanent transfers are expected as Ten Hag looks to refresh in the summer.
Part of the overhaul also includes waving goodbye to a number of players.
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It’s thought United are willing to listen to offers for Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay.
Eric Bailly and Alex Telles, who are both out on loan this season, are also set to be moved on.
Club captain Harry Maguire is another who has been linked with a move away.