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Newcastle United have been offered the opportunity to sign goalkeeper David de Gea on a free transfer, according to sources.
The Magpies have suffered a major blow in goalkeeping after starting goalkeeper Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United at home on Saturday night.
Newcastle has penciled in an April return date for Pope, who will decide whether to undergo surgery later this week, according to 90min. Despite links to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, Newcastle see him as a long-term target, and a January move is unlikely, especially given the Gunners’ reluctance to sanction a departure before the end of the season.
Though plans are in place for Newcastle to continue with backup Martin Dubravka in goal, 90min understands they have been approached by De Gea, who would prefer to join a club in Europe, preferably in the Champions League.
David de Gea offered to the Magpies
De Gea has not been rushed into making a decision about his future after leaving Manchester United at the end of his contract in the summer, turning down offers from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Newcastle’s Saudi PIF owners are familiar with De Gea’s camp due to previous discussions about a move to the Middle East.
The 33-year-old has also recently emerged as a possible option for Lionel Messi’s MLS club Inter Miami.
Newcastle’s reluctance to spend heavily on a new goalkeeper in January is due in part to Financial Fair Play restrictions. For similar reasons, they are hoping that Manchester City will agree to an initial loan for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, but this will take up the second of their two domestic loan spots, which are currently occupied by Chelsea’s Lewis Hall.
As a result, signing a free agent like De Gea would be more feasible for Newcastle, as the club would not have to rely on the loan market for a temporary goalkeeper solution and could instead sign the Spaniard on a short-term contract.
