DAVID DE GEA has reportedly rejected a new Manchester United contract as he prepares to take a pay cut.
The Spanish star, 32, agreed a £375,000-a-week salary in September 2019, making him the highest-paid shot-stopper in the world.
David de Gea is negotiating a new Manchester United contractReuters
Given his age, he is now open to accepting new terms at a reduced wage – with his existing deal up in the summer.
However, according to The Athletic, the club’s opening proposal has been dismissed by De Gea.
Manager Erik ten Hag is keen for the ex-Atletico Madrid man to remain his first-choice keeper for many years to come.
And while De Gea wants to stay at Old Trafford, he also feels his performances warrant him still being one of the best-paid players in the squad.
He is a keeper that often divides opinion among Man Utd fans as his passing fails to match his shot-stopping ability.
This was evident in the Red Devils’ 4-1 win over Real Betis earlier this month when De Gea misplaced four passes and almost handed the Spanish side a goal when he gave away possession before they struck the post.
But Ten Hag defended his keeper after the game.
He said: “I can’t ignore (his kicking), but we have seen many games (where) he did really well.
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“David is working on that. He is improving and he will keep improving, I’m sure.”
Replacing De Gea is not seen as one of United’s key priorities this summer, particularly when considering Financial Fair Play regulations.
Ten Hag has more pressing areas he wishes to strengthen including centre-forward, midfield and right-back.