David de Gea open to move as Newcastle United search for Nick Pope replacement - Paper Round

With Nick Pope out after sustaining a shoulder injury, Newcastle United may be looking at bringing in David de Gea.

The former Manchester United player is out of contract, and the Mirror believes the goalkeeper would consider it.

The paper reports: “David de Gea continues to train by himself in the hope of finding a new club, six months after his departure from Manchester United.

“De Gea left United in June after spending 12 years between the posts for the club who he made 545 appearances for. The 33-year-old had become a divisive figure at United, but the struggles of his successor Andre Onana has helped to enhance his reputation retrospectively.

“De Gea recently set tongues wagging by sharing a picture of goalkeeping gloves on a field to his 15 million Instagram followers with an animated message which read: 'Work, work, work'. He has been linked with a move to Newcastle, who are without their first-choice goalkeeper since Nick Pope suffered a serious shoulder injury while playing against United on December 2.

“Pope has undergone surgery on his dislocated shoulder and is expected to be out for around four months. Martin Dubravka has stepped in to take his place, but the former United loanee has conceded nine goals in three games in defeats against Everton, Tottenham and AC Milan, sparking rumours Newcastle could contact De Gea.

“The Magpies could try to sign the experienced goalkeeper on a short-term deal until the end of the season. And it is understood that De Gea would be open to that possibility, having been without a club for six months.”

After failing to gain a permanent move to Everton, or a move away to another club in the summer, Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek appears set to leave once more.

The Dutch midfielder has agreed a move to Eintracht Frankfurt, with a loan move that could be turned permanent.

“Manchester United outcast Donny van de Beek has agreed personal terms for a half-season loan to Eintracht Frankfurt,” the Mail writes.

“Once a promising young talent at Ajax, Van de Beek has struggled since his 2020 move to Old Trafford, failing to string together a run of positive form, increasingly hampered by injury, and dropping out of the plans of a succession of managers.

“A reunion with his former Eredivisie boss Erik ten Hag has thus far been unable to reignite his career, and over the three seasons since joining the Red Devils, Van de Beek has made just six Premier League starts.

“Whilst there is no mandatory deal, should the move work out, Eintracht could purchase Van de Beek for £12.5 million plus add-ons.”

Brentford are anticipating a busy transfer window, with Rico Henry out with injury and the club needing a left-back for cover.

The Evening Standard suggests that a striker might also be brought in.

The paper states: “Brentford plan to sign a left-back in January as cover for the injured Rico Henry.

“It is unlikely Henry will play again this season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in September. He suffered the same injury to his right knee in 2017 and did not play for 14 months.

“The Bees may be forced into the market next month, with Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade also out injured and Ivan Toney still serving his betting ban.”

Tottenham have their eye on 22-year-old Brazilian central defender Morato, who could be available for less than his £68m release clause.

The Sun explains that his current side, Benfica, might be prepared to do a deal.

The paper writes: “Tottenham are lining up a stunning move for Brazilian wonderkid Morato after scouting him in the Champions League this week.

“The centre-back, 22, played a starring role in Benfica’s 3-1 win over RB Salzburg on Wednesday.

“Morato, a left footer, scooped his first-ever league title last season.

“And the ace's contract runs until 2027, with a release clause currently set at £68m.

“But Benfica need to raise funds after crashing out of the Champions League and could be ready to sell him for a bargain price next month.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media