DAVID DE GEA has at times come under criticism since moving to Manchester United, but he has invariably been defended by Alex Ferguson, with the manager claiming that occasional mistakes are to be expected from a player so inexperienced.
However, De Gea and Anders Lindegaard have been rotated on a number of occasions this season, and reports suggest even Fergie has lost faith in the youngster.
The United boss is understood to be looking for a goalkeeper who is still eligible to play in the Champions League, with Stoke’s Asmir Begovic and Liverpool’s Pepe Reina among the names being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Going?
In other United news, it looks like Robbie Brady is set to leave the club and join Hull City on an permanent deal.
And speaking to the Daily Mail, Steve Bruce confirmed that the move was close to happening.
“We hope we can get it tied up and fair play to the board again because they’re doing their utmost to make it happen. For that I’m entirely grateful.
“I would hope for a bit of good news, possibly at the beginning of the week. That would be a huge addition because of how well he’s done.”
In addition, many in the media will be no doubt disappointed with the news that Joey Barton won’t be returning to England anytime soon, presuming reports that Marseille are keen on keeping Barton for longer than initially arranged are accurate.
Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo has been quoted as saying: “He is very happy here, maybe he has found the right club for him. Should he desire [to stay] it could be very good.”
Going?
Liverpool will miss out on signing Italy international Davide Astori, with Southampton favourites to secure his signature, according to the Daily Mail.
The Saints are understood to be willing to pay more money to Cagliari in order to secure the defender’s services.
Meanwhile, the dream is on, as West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is still hopeful of sealing a move to bring David Beckham back to his native land.
“We will wait and see. You never know,” Big Sam told reporters, rather enigmatically.
Gone
Finally, while he’ll remain at the club until the summer, widespread reports indicate that Frank Lampard’s Chelsea career will end thereafter.
“Chelsea executives told Frank in Japan during the Club World Cup, then again reconfirmed with me after the Everton victory [both in December], that in no circumstances will he be offered a new contract to stay at the club after the end of this season,” the player’s agent Steve Kutner told reporters.
