Manchester United have entered the race to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
That’s according to Italian outlet Calciostyle, which claims the Frenchman’s agent has been buying his client in the Premier League.
Maignan is believed to be keen to move to England and, at 27, reckons the time is right to secure a big move.
Tottenham Hotspur have been discussed as a potential destination as they look to replace 35-year-old Hugo Lloris.
Newcastle United, Brentford and Crystal Palace are also mentioned, although the report rules out the chances of any of those clubs signing Maignan as a fantasy.
Manchester United present the most logical proposal among Premier League sides, with David de Gea’s contract set to expire in the summer and a replacement top priority.
Calciostyle claims the Red Devils have even discussed terms with Maignan’s agent, with an offer of around €6.5m a year for five years.
Erik ten Hag has known how to work with De Gea despite the Spaniard’s lack of possession, although his ideal goalkeeper would offer much more in terms of distribution.
Maignan is confident on the ball and could certainly live up to Ten Hag’s expectations in terms of helping his team-mates play from behind.
As an added bonus, the Milan man is in the 97th percentile for crosses stopped in Europe’s top five leagues, an area where De Gea has struggled during his time at Old Trafford.
United’s current number one is in the third percentile, stopping just 3.1% of the crosses he faces to Maignan’s 11.4%.
Having a player between the posts who was comfortable on his feet and capable of defending crosses would be a completely foreign concept for Man United.
Statistically, Maignan is also a better goalkeeper than De Gea, with a save percentage of 77% to De Gea’s 68.1%.
Overall, the Frenchman looks like an upgrade in almost every department, and a player that United could certainly use.
While the Red Devils would likely be favorites to sign Maignan over Tottenham, there may be clubs outside of the Premier League that could pose a threat.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also mentioned in the report.
(All fbref stats)
