Manchester United could yet release David de Gea when his contract expires at the end of this month, according to reports. And the Spanish goalkeeper's preferred destination, should his time at Old Trafford end, has come to light ahead of another summer of change under Erik ten Hag.
Concerns over whether De Gea is the right fit for Ten Hag's vision intensified across the latter's first season in charge.
The 32-year-old has struggled to contribute to his desire to play out from the back with lacklustre distribution, hesitant claiming of crosses and a lack of command in his area.
Costly errors were prominent as pressure ramped up throughout the campaign, turning his relationship with many fans sour.
After 12 years as United's No 1, there is a widespread belief that Ten Hag must be ruthless and sign a new goalkeeper to match his long-term vision.
And, according to ESPN, that remains a possibility, given De Gea is yet to pen a new contract on reduced wages with less than three weeks before he becomes a free agent.
The report claims that De Gea extending his stay remains the most likely outcome after verbally agreeing terms.
But with Ten Hag yet to sign off on the deal, the Red Devils icon has pinpointed his preferred destination if he is forced to depart.
It's said that De Gea would like to return to Spain if he moves on a free transfer this summer, over a decade after leaving Atletico Madrid for M16.
Saudi Arabian clubs have also been credited with an interest amid their ongoing hunt for some of the biggest names in European football.
However, De Gea prefers a switch to his homeland, though there are currently no options available to him.
Ten Hag is expected to recruit a new goalkeeper this summer regardless of whether De Gea remains at United or not.
Diogo Costa, David Raya, Andre Onana and Jordan Pickford are among the options that have been linked in recent weeks.
But United's transfer activity will largely depend on the club's ownership situation being resolved and what impact any takeover would have on Ten Hag's budget.
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