Manchester United earmark Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as summer replacement for David de Gea

Manchester United have earmarked Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as a possible replacement for David de Gea, who is set to be part of a major transfer brawl in the summer. The Spaniard was heavily linked with a Real Madrid move last summer but it broke down on deadline day and the Spanish giants are likely to revive their interest in the summer.

The Mirror reports that United are willing to hold on to the 25-year-old at Old Trafford but are looking at back-up options should it prove difficult to keep the keeper for one more year in the Premier League. Paris Saint-Germain have also emerged as a possible option for the player, with the Ligue 1 giants in the market for a reliable shot-stopper in the summer.

De Gea has signed a new long-term contract at the club but it is unlikely to put a dampener on speculation, with United facing an uphill task to qualify for the Champions League. The Red Devils are currently sixth in the table, three points adrift of a top four spot and are going through an indifferent run of form in all competitions.

United have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Ter Stegen, with the German willing to make a switch from the Nuo Camp for concerted first team action. The 23-year-old has been earmarked to start in Cup competitions including the Champions League, while Claudio Bravo looks after proceedings in the league.

Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the keeper but the German is reportedly unwilling to move to Bundesliga and is looking for interest in the Premier League where Liverpool are also in the market for a keeper in the top drawer.

The Red Devils face Liverpool in the second leg of the round of 16 tie of the Europa League at Old Trafford, currently trailing the first leg by two goals and face an uphill task to qualify into the next round of the tournament.