‘On second thoughts, we’ll stick with Ali Al-Habsi and Chris Kirkland’
Spanish newspaper AS has revealed David de Gea was on the verge of a Premier League move to Wigan Athletic in 2010.
De Gea, currently keeping Manchester United in the Champions League places with a string of stunning performances, was identified as a rare talent by Roberto Martinez, who was managing the Latics at the time.
The Spanish goalkeeper’s representatives were contacted by Wigan but, it is believed, the £9m valuation proved the ultimate stumbling block and he remained with Atletico Madrid.
De Gea moved United the following summer, for £18m. He initially struggled and was exposed by long balls, physical challenges and crosses. One shudders to think how he would have coped at the wind tunnel known as the DW Stadium.
AS also features comments from de Gea’s agent, Jorge Mendes, about the goalkeeper’s contract negotiations with United. His deal runs out on June 30, 2016 and although talks have opened with the Premier League club, Mendes warns nothing has been signed yet.
