MANCHESTER UNITED could turn to David de Gea’s international goalkeeping rival in their bid for a new stopper.
De Gea is currently a free agent after his United contract expired and so far the club have not offered him a new deal.
GettyRobert Sanchez and David De Gea[/caption]
Instead, they are looking for alternatives and according to the Daily Mail, Brighton’s Robert Sanchez is a new target.
Sanchez was a regular in the Seagulls line up for the first half of the season until falling out of a favour with Roberto de Zerbi.
Jason Steele was made De Zerbi’s No1 and Brighton have also now signed keeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht for £16.3million.
It leaves Sanchez primed to go this summer and several clubs have been interested, including Chelsea.
The 25-year-old was this year called up to Spain’s World Cup squad and he has made two international appearances over De Gea.
Sanchez – born in Spain – has an English dad and has been in Brighton’s academy since he was 15 – making him a homegrown player.
And it is claimed United boss Erik ten Hag is a fan of his ability to play out from the back.
But the Dutchman has also been eyeing a move for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana, who the Italian’s value at £50m.
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Whereas Brighton are believed to rate Sanchez at £30m.
De Gea’s future remains up in the air after getting married while technically unemployed.
But as revealed by SunSport, United sensationally asked him NOT to join another club.
The Red Devils are effectively asking him to hang around in case they cannot find a new number one within their transfer budget.
But De Gea has been linked with Fenerbahce in Turkey and even Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
David de Gea has been linked with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Saudi ArabiaGetty