Manchester United are reportedly considering making a move for Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos during next summer's transfer window.
David de Gea has kept hold of the gloves for the 2022-23 campaign, with the Spaniard cementing his spot as the club's number one stopper despite recent pressure from Dean Henderson.
There is uncertainty surrounding De Gea's future at Old Trafford, though, as his current deal is due to expire next summer.
Former Man United captain Gary Neville recently predicted that the 31-year-old would be replaced in the near future due to his struggles in playing out from the back.
"We all know where Ten Hag wants to get this United team, he wants 75 per cent possession, players that can handle the ball, defenders can handle the ball and the goalkeeper needs to be brilliant on the ball," Neville said on his podcast following the 6-3 loss to Manchester City last weekend.
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"I suspect with David de Gea, his United career is going to be short-lived under Ten Hag. He's [Ten Hag] going to be adamant that his philosophy of playing out from the back, playing those risky passes to the midfield that we see with Ederson all the time, that we no longer see as risky because they do it so well, is something that he's striving for and that he wants to get to."
Henderson is due to return to Old Trafford next summer but could then leave on a permanent basis, while Martin Dubravka's loan move from Newcastle United will expire next June.
According to Media Foot, Man United have identified Vlachodimos as a potential long-term replacement for De Gea, with a move potentially taking place next summer.
The report claims that Leicester City are huge admirers of the Greece international and are keen to sign him at the end of the campaign, but the Red Devils could beat the Foxes to his signature.
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The 28-year-old joined Benfica from Panathinaikos in 2018, and he has represented the Portuguese giants on 185 occasions in all competitions.
Vlachodimos has already featured on 16 occasions at club level during the 2022-23 campaign, keeping nine clean sheets in the process, including six in Portugal's top flight.
The stopper has also impressed in the group stage of the Champions League, conceding just twice in his three appearances against Maccabi Haifa, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
Man United are likely to activate a one-year extension on De Gea's contract in the near future regardless of whether the stopper leaves next summer, as he could then be sold for a fee at the end of the campaign.
The 20-time English champions also have Tom Heaton on their books, but the 36-year-old is only battling Dubravka to be the number two at the club this season.
Matt Law
