The contenders to replace David de Gea as Man Utd goalkeeper
Following 11 years of service, David de Gea's time at Manchester United may well be coming to an end.
After a nervy debut season in between the sticks, the Spaniard quickly blossomed into one of the world's finest shot-stoppers and persistent interest from Real Madrid before they snagged Thibaut Courtois helped De Gea become one of the Premier League's highest-paid players.
Despite earning Golden Glove honours in 2022/23, De Gea's future at United is up in the air with his contract running down. The club do have the option to extend his deal by another 12 months, but as it stands United's keeper situation is precarious and one that could change in an instant.
The Red Devils could stick with the sturdy but error-prone De Gea or allow the Spaniard to depart in favour of a younger and more modern alternative with a skill set more conducive to Erik ten Hag's ideals.
Here are five potential keepers United could sign this summer.
1. Diogo Costa
Portugal's number one has long been admired by United and is considered one of the club's top targets this summer.
However, Costa himself has played down rumours of a move to Old Trafford and said he wants to continue at Porto, the club of his "life", next season and beyond.
Nevertheless, the Red Devils are keen on a move and are reportedly attempting to drive down Porto's asking price, believed to be around £64m.
Costa, an excellent shot-stopper who's comfortable in possession and adept when sweeping outside of his box, kept 16 clean sheets in the Primeira Liga last season.
2. David Raya
With just a year left on his Brentford deal, the Bees have told Raya he can leave the club this summer and Tottenham have made strides in their pursuit of the Spaniard. However, Brentford's £40m asking price is currently a stumbling block.
United have also been credited with boasting an interest in Raya, who was one of the Premier League's best-performing goalkeepers in 2022/23. According to data from FBRef, he conceded five goals fewer than he should have - only Alisson (10.1) and Bernd Leno (5.7) prevented more - and he recorded the most saves in the division.
Raya's combination of excellent shot-stopping and proficient work with the ball at his feet render him a desirable asset for several clubs, and United should consider pipping Tottenham to his signature should Spurs continue to stumble in negotiations.
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3. Jordan Pickford
Pickford's built his reputation off his stellar performances for England at major tournaments. Rarely has he put a foot wrong for the Three Lions on the big stage.
His form for Everton in recent years has been much more patchy, but he enjoyed a fine season for a dire Toffees outfit and eventually played a crucial role in their Premier League survival.
Pickford, who boasts an impressive passing range but ability on the ball is slightly overrated overall, has emerged as a target for the Red Devils this summer, with Ten Hag undoubtedly being left impressed by the Englishman's nine-save performance against his side at Old Trafford in April.
4. Andre Onana
Onana forged an impressive reputation under Ten Hag at Ajax as the Dutchman's babyfaced outfit came within an implausible Lucas Moura hat-trick of a Champions League final.
The Cameroonian shot-stopper has been tagged as the ultimate modern-day keeper, one that plays with a distinct swagger and flair despite his rather uncompromising and primitive function.
A doping ban thwarted his development somewhat, but 2022/23 was a resurgent campaign for Onana as he usurped Samir Handanovic between the Inter sticks before playing a key role in the Nerazzurri's end-of-season ascent.
The 27-year-old recorded the most clean sheets (eight) and saves (48) in the Champions League as Inter were beaten in the final by Man City.
5. Mike Maignan
Very few thought that when Milan parted ways with Gigi Donnarumma, believed to be the second coming of Gigi Buffon, signing an upgrade on the towering Italian would be possible.
But the Rossoneri did exactly that with former Lille keeper Maignan, whose remarkable form helped Milan to the scudetto in 2021/22. The Frenchman's superior work in possession compared to Donnarumma added a new dimension to Stefano Pioli's side, while his remarkable consistency rendered mistakes rare.
His ascent should see him emerge as France's number one following Hugo Lloris' retirement, and despite missing much of 2022/23 due to injury, Maignan has shown time and time again his knack for pulling off the spectacular.
The 27-year-old would be the perfect De Gea successor, but he will not come cheap.