Man United tell David de Gea 'not to join' rivals as star set to become free agent

David de Gea has reportedly been asked to not join another club by Manchester United.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper saw his contract at Old Trafford expire on Friday, meaning he has now technically become a free agent, but United are still hoping he doesn’t find a new club.

Despite previously agreeing a wage reduction from £375,000 a week to £200,000, the proposed terms were taken off the table by Erik ten Hag, leaving De Gea in the dark over his future.

Ten Hag had been handed a £120million transfer budget before sales, but that has now halved after a £60million fee was agreed with Chelsea for Mason Mount.

And according to The Sun, those budget restrictions are the reason that United are asking De Gea to not join another club in case Ten Hag opts to bring him back to the club if a new number one can’t be signed within their budget.

There’s a real chance that United may come crawling back to De Gea with a new goalkeeper and striker still both priority signings – with a £60million remaining budget far from likely to strengthen both positions.

United’s treatment of De Gea is even more shocking when you consider that the Spaniard is seventh on the list of all-time appearance holders for the Red Devils – with 545 to his name in total.

De Gea also holds the club’s all-time clean sheet record after overtaking Peter Schmeichel – claiming his record 181st clean sheet in the Carabao Cup final win against Newcastle United. The February win at Wembley was De Gea’s fifth trophy at the club since joining in 2011.

Although any contract discussions or talks regarding De Gea’s future are set to take a backseat as he marries partner Edurne Garcia this weekend.

But discussions regarding a replacement for De Gea have already begun with the Red Devils reported to have opened talks with Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana’s representatives but are yet to enter contact with Inter who are said to be holding out for £50million.