Manchester United have undoubtedly one of the best Premier League goalkeepers in David de Gea, who has made some critical saves that have arguably earned the Red Devils more points than the their performances have deserved so far this season.
However, like many United stars before him, they have been plucked away from Old Trafford to Real Madrid and this time it’s no different, with the ‘Galaticos’ keen on luring De Gea to replace veteran shot-stopper Iker Casillas.
If that were to happen, United supporters will call for manager Louis van Gaal to find a suitable replacement, even if Gareth Bale was part of the exchange deal for the Spaniard.
Here are FIVE Goalkeepers Man United can buy to replace David de Gea...
Mattia Perin
//www.youtube.com/embed/zfBdU25NkaQ
Already being chased by Arsenal and Liverpool, Mattia Perin has been performing incredibly for Genoa the past two seasons and is already being earmarked as the heir to the legendary Gianluigi Buffon for the Italian national side.
What makes Perin an attractive prospect is, like de Gea, the former Pescara goalkeeper is still at an extremely young age of 22 and can develop into a shot-stopper of the same calibre – if not better – than the current United number one.
An offer of around £12million could be enough to prize Perin away from the Serie A, especially if Untied manage to qualify for the Champions League.
Hugo Lloris
//www.youtube.com/embed/4NDHxlNLOIU
Already a world-class goalkeeper before joining Tottenham Hotspur, Hugo Lloris solidified his status as one of the league’s best over the course of two-and-a-half seasons.
However, the France captain came to White Hart Lane in the hope that he will be playing in the Champions League, but that has not come into fruition.
The lack of elite European football is set to result in Lloris looking to leave Spurs, and if United can finish in their current fourth position, there are no safer bets in the English top flight than Lloris to replace David de Gea.
Tim Krul
//www.youtube.com/embed/1GmULt7_cYI
Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul is another goalkeeper that has made a name for himself in the English Premier League.
Although not as solid as Spurs’ Lloris, the Magpies shot-stopper comes under barrage from his opponents much more often behind a leaky Newcastle defence and usually bails his team out with important saves.
Krul has also worked under Louis van Gaal for the Dutch national team, but if you want any more proof of his abilities, watch the highlights of his incredible performance against Tottenham last season (video above).
Salvatore Sirigu
//www.youtube.com/embed/KnV8QicTI7c
Salvatore Sirigu is an established goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, but if the rumours surrounding the Ligue 1 champions hoping to sign Hugo Lloris from Tottenham Hotspur are true, then Sirigu will not be happy playing second-fiddle to the Frenchman.
The Italian is a solid shot-stopper and has been one of the best in Ligue 1 for some time, winning the Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year award the past two seasons.
However, PSG want to have Lloris play at the Parc des Princes, and if Sirigu becomes available he will be an adequate replacement for the departed David de Gea.
Victor Valdes
//www.youtube.com/embed/r298yIf71rE
Do Manchester United really need to splash their cash on another goalkeeper when they have a three-time Champions League winner sitting on their bench?
Victor Valdes has been manning the posts for one of the best club sides the world has ever seen in Barcelona, but was sadly let go for free after tearing his knee ligament mid-way through last season.
If de Gea leaves, the former Spain international should be given the opportunity to once again prove himself at the very top level which will free up some cash for Van Gaal to buy someone more important... like a world class defender.