Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea Fears Spark Tim Krul Rumours

Manchester United are looking to establish themselves back among the upper echelons of the Premier League and European football, but part of that process will be to have quality options in every position on the pitch. According to reports, the goalkeeping spots look to be boxed off.

Ian Ladyman of The Daily Mail claims that the Red Devils are poised to confirm the signing of Victor Valdes on an 18-month deal. But Ladyman also reports United are in contract talks with current No. 1 David de Gea, which are set to begin as United look to tie the Spanish stopper down for the long term.

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Ladyman elaborates on the latter's current contract situation:

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United chief executive Ed Woodward and De Gea’s agent Jorge Mendes plan to move the matter of the player’s contract forward this month in the hope he will agree to stay.

De Gea has not closed his mind to a move back to Spain but he and his parents, who remain influential, are not actively looking to leave Manchester and recently declared themselves happy and settled in the North West.

United manager Louis van Gaal has said little about his plans for Valdes but has been impressed enough in recent weeks to offer him a deal.

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De Gea has been in magnificent form so far this campaign, with former Red Devils defender Gary Neville naming the goalkeeper as his player of the season so far, per Matchbook.com:

While United supporters will have enjoyed their goalkeeper’s excellent displays in unison this campaign, there will be some concern surrounding the player’s contract situation. De Gea has just 18 months left on his current deal and, following his excellent performances this season, rumours have surfaced regarding potential interest from Real Madrid, per Ladyman’s piece.

David McDonnell of the Daily Mirror has done plenty to exacerbate those concerns, claiming that Valdes is unwilling to play a subservient role to his compatriot and De Gea could subsequently move to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he is viewed as a the ideal long-term replacement for Iker Casillas.

Here’s a look at why former Barcelona man Valdes will feel as though he has a shot at dislodging De Gea:

He’s got tangible honours to back up his ability, too, as we can see here courtesy of Sky Sports News HQ:

According to McDonnell’s piece, United already have contingency plans for a potential De Gea departure and would look to sign Tim Krul from Newcastle United should the Spaniard move to Madrid. Krul is a keeper who worked with Van Gaal during Van Gaal's stint as Netherlands boss and famously emerged from the bench to help the Dutch win a penalty shootout at the 2014 World Cup.

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But he's not a goalkeeper good enough for United. If De Gea was to go, Valdes would surely be ahead of Krul in any potential pecking order—Van Gaal didn't even pick the Newcastle man as his starting goalkeeper for the World Cup—and with that in mind, it's difficult to see why the Dutchman would be keen on a move away from St. James' Park.

Oliver Kay of The Times doesn't think the acquisition of the former Barcelona man necessarily spells the end for De Gea, though:

United will not want to lose the 24-year-old, who is establishing himself as one of the world’s finest operators between the sticks, and with Champions League football looking increasingly likely for the Red Devils next season, each Spaniard should get ample opportunities.

Valdes is an astute addition and a player who’s progress will be intriguing to follow after a serious injury and sustained spell away from the game. He’s a goalkeeper who shouldn’t command a spot ahead of De Gea in the first XI, but given his last match was in March 2014, it’s difficult to see why the Spaniard would sign at Old Trafford if he was not afforded reassurances over his playing time.