Manchester United are contemplating trying to re-sign David de Gea on a short-term deal - less than six months since leaving the club at the end of his contract.
De Gea, 32, departed the Red Devils upon the expiry of his deal in the summer after making 545 appearances during a successful 12-year spell at Old Trafford. The Spaniard was a popular figure in the dressing room and some United players were unhappy with the how the goalkeeper was treated.
Now, according to The Sun, United are considering bringing the free agent back as they are worried about the lack of cover when Cameroon's Andre Onana goes to the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir are United's other senior goalkeepers, but neither have made an appearance so far this season.
It is claimed United were caught off guard after Onana reversed his decision to retire from international football. The 27-year-old confirmed the decision before Cameroon's AFCON qualifier against Burundi in September and explained it was because of his "unshakeable love and attachment to my homeland".
Onana could miss up to eight United matches, including their Premier League game against Tottenham, if he is selected for the Cameroon squad. The former Ajax shot-stopper has made a shaky start to life at United since his £47.2million summer move from Inter Milan, but he did produce a moment of magic in the Champions League on Tuesday, saving a second-half penalty in their 1-0 win over Copenhagen.
Despite departing United following an emotional statement back in July, Onana's predecessor has not signed for another club. It was reported last month that De Gea is considering a shock retirement if he does not receive a proposal to become first-choice at a 'major' club.
Image:
Getty Images)De Gea had been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and also rejected other offers in the summer transfer window, but is biding his time to see if a suitable proposal comes in. Incredibly, the Sun also claim that United asked De Gea not to sign for another club until a move for Onana was agreed.
It is unknown whether De Gea would want to return to Old Trafford, especially if he is to be No.2 when Onana is back from AFCON. Onana has started in all of United's 13 competitive matches so far this season, conceding 20 goals and keeping a modest four clean sheets in the process.
Image:
Getty Images)Meanwhile, De Gea won the Premier League Golden Glove last season with an impressive 17 shut outs from 38 matches. But he was unable agree a new deal with United and Ten Hag decided to sign Onana, who caught the eye of the Red Devils boss following Tuesday's Champions League victory.
"[Onana] showed personality," said Ten Hag. "He knows his levels didn't match his skills before. He could do better. [He had] a very good performance on Saturday. Today, as well. Also, don't forget that brilliant save just after half-time in the counter-attack. Of course, one of his skills is he's a very good penalty-saver."
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