4 Potential Goalkeeper Signings for Manchester United

If David De Gea does leave Manchester United this summer, the Red Devils will presumably need to replace him. Unless Louis van Gaal decides to go with a one-two combination of Victor Valdes and Anders Lindegaard—which seems a long shot—then new goalkeeping blood will be arriving. 

Let's take a look at four 'keepers who have been linked with United this summer who could fit the bill. 

Jasper Cillessen

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Jasper Cillessen is familiar with the requirements of being Van Gaal's first-choice goalkeeper, having been Netherlands No. 1 at the 2014 World Cup. 

The Telegraph reported on 14 June that: 

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With De Gea's transfer to Real Madrid expected to go through this month, United are desperate to bring in another goalkeeper and could tie up a deal for Dutchman Cillessen this week.

United asked keeper coach Frans Hoek to draw up a shortlist of candidates to replace De Gea when the Spain international made it clear he saw his future away from Old Trafford.

Hoek is a close associate of United manager Louis van Gaal's having worked together at Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and with recently with the Dutch national side.

Dutch international Cillessen was Hoek's top choice with the coach championing the 26-year-old's abilities over recent years.

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Cillessen has been excellent in Ajax's net over the past season, saving 81.7 per cent of the shots aimed at his goal—compared to the 71.9 per cent De Gea managed—per Alistair Tweedale in the Telegraph. Dutch football writer Michiel Jongsma tweeted his belief that Cillessen has been Ajax's best player for the past two seasons. 

Almost any goalkeeper would seem to be a downgrade on De Gea, given his performances last season, but Cillessen is proven at a reasonable level and has rarely let his team down. 

Hugo Lloris

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Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris may be difficult to pry away from his north London club. Jeremy Cross of the Star reported on Thursday that:

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The fact Spurs have been handed a trip to Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season could scupper the deal.

It is understood [Spurs Chief Executive Daniel] Levy would not be willing to sell Lloris to United until after that game.

It means United could have to wait until towards the end of the transfer window to land Lloris—and Van Gaal might now decide to look elsewhere.

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If Van Gaal does chose to pursue Lloris, United will have a top-quality replacement for De Gea. He may not pull off the otherworldly saves that De Gea managed last season with quite the same frequency, but he has been a solid, proven Premier League performer. United could certainly do worse.

Asmir Begovic

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And talking of solid Premier League performers...

Asmir Begovic was first touted as a potential replacement for De Gea back in 2013. David Kent of the Daily Mail wrote that Sir Alex Ferguson was considering giving up on his young stopper in favour of the Stoke City man. Of course, Ferguson's faith in the Spaniard has been amply rewarded in the years since. There would certainly be no question about how would be preferred between Begovic and De Gea now.

Chris Wheeler of the Daily Mail described Begovic as a "Manchester United target" on 11 June. In his report, he wrote: "Begovic is among the leading contenders to succeed David De Gea if he leaves Old Trafford for Real Madrid, and has indicated that he is only interested in moving to a club where he can be first choice."

Whether he would represent a significant upgrade on Victor Valdes is uncertain, although he, of course, has considerably more experience against Premier League opposition. He is probably better on crosses than Valdes but less likely to pull off a wonder save. A solid, 7/10 choice for United. 

Jan Oblak

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On 13 June, Spanish newspaper AS reported that United were once again looking to Atletico Madrid for their next goalie. 

Nicholas Gooden of the Daily Mail, covering the AS story wrote: 

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Spanish daily newspaper AS is claiming that United have earmarked the Slovenian keeper to replace De Gea this summer and that contact with Oblak has already been made.

They report that United will sell the Spain international to Real but not before agreeing a deal to sign Oblak but claim Atletico are "asking for a lot of money."

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Oblak had a difficult first half of the season following his move from Benfica but has claimed the No. 1 spot following an injury to Miguel Moya. A couple of impressive performances against Real Madrid caught the eye, and United scouts were right about the abilities of the last 'keeper they brought in from Atletico.

He would be a gamble, given his relative lack of experience at the very top level, but he is clearly talented.