Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea’s future at Old Trafford hangs in the balance as his contract is set to expire on Friday. Despite an initial agreement on a contract extension, it appears that changes were made to the framework, prompting both parties to reassess the situation and consider alternative options.

De Gea, who has been with the club for 12 years and played in an impressive 545 games, remains in contact with United. In response to the widespread speculation surrounding his future, the Spanish goalkeeper expressed his nonchalant attitude by posting a yawning emoji on Twitter earlier this week. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

During the previous season, De Gea claimed the Premier League Golden Glove for the second time, showcasing his exceptional goalkeeping skills by keeping 17 clean sheets. Both the player himself and manager Erik ten Hag expressed confidence about De Gea staying at the club at the end of the season.

While it is still possible for De Gea to sign a contract extension, starting from Saturday, he will be free to join any other club as he would have been able to negotiate pre-contract terms with overseas suitors since January.

United has been urging De Gea to accept a significant reduction in his wages from the record-breaking £375,000-per-week deal he signed in 2019. Even with a reduced salary, De Gea’s earnings would still place him among the top-earning goalkeepers. It remains uncertain if he would find similar terms elsewhere.

However, if De Gea chooses to leave the club after 12 successful seasons, during which he has won five major honors and claimed a record four club player-of-the-year awards, it would create a predicament for Ten Hag and the team.

Rumors suggest that United has engaged in preliminary discussions with Inter Milan’s highly-rated goalkeeper Andre Onana from Cameroon. However, Ten Hag must operate within a limited budget, especially after securing the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea for £55 million and with United also targeting a center-forward. To make a move for the 27-year-old Onana, United would need to sell players.

In the meantime, United has exercised a one-year option for veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who has garnered interest from Luton. Additionally, Dean Henderson, who suffered a thigh injury during his loan spell with Nottingham Forest in January, has returned to the club to recover.

The next few days will prove crucial in determining De Gea’s future, as United faces the challenging task of either securing a contract extension or finding a suitable replacement if the Spanish shot-stopper departs. The club will have to weigh their options carefully as they navigate this pivotal moment in their goalkeeping department. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.