De Gea frustrated with United

David De Gea is said to be frustrated with the lack of effort from Manchester United to give him the pay rise he demands, according to The Times.

The Spaniard, voted the Premier League’s best goalkeeper in five of the last six seasons, wants his influence on the pitch as “the team’s most effective player” to be recognized by seeing his wages equal those of Alexis Sanchez.

Meanwhile, United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has informed De Gea’s representatives that such an increase in his earnings would be impossible. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has tried to help the matter be resolved and assured the shot-stopper of his importance for the future of the team, but a pay rise still isn’t forthcoming. Woodward has apparently recognized that making Sanchez the best-paid player in the league was unwise and is determined not make the same mistake again.

De Gea is about to enter a one-year extension of his contract that the club have an option of triggering, and unless a breakthrough in negotiations is reached soon, he will be allowed to discuss a free transfer with clubs outside England for the summer of 2020. Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been credited with interest.