Manchester United prepare summer swoop for Petr Cech as David de Gea replacement

Manchester United have earmarked Petr Cech as the man to replace David de Gea, should the Spaniard leave the club in the summer, according to the Telegraph.

The Czech Republic international has been heavily linked with a move out of Chelsea, after falling out of favour with Thibaut Cortouis, who has become the top choice under Jose Mourinho. Cech only started six Premier League games last season and has urged the club to consider his decision to move in the summer to extend his playing time.

De Gea, who has been the reason behind United's ascension to the top four, after finishing seventh in the league under David Moyes, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and has resisted signing a new contract with the Red Devils, with the current one expiring next season.

Manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he has tried his best to convince the player to stay but the current situation is out of his hands, leading him to narrow down a shortlist of players who can strengthen his squad. Hugo Lloris is another player whose name is making the rounds, but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy's insistence to sell him for a premium has dissuaded the club from taking their interest forward.

The news will come as a major blow for Arsenal, who were strongly linked with a move for the 33-year-old, as replacement for Wojciech Szczesny, who has fallen out of favour at the club. The Pole was dropped from the first team after a disastrous performance against Southampton on the opening day of the year, which cost the Gunners three crucial points.

David Ospina has since taken over, but the Colombian missed an easy chance to offer Swansea the lead at the Emirates last weekend, which relegated the Gunners to their first loss in over 11 games in the league. The result has brought them into direct competition with United for a top three spot, with the Gunners capable of sealing a place with a win over the 20-time Champions at Old Trafford.