Source: Daily_Mail
David De Gea set to seal Manchester United move
ShareDavid De Gea's credentials for succeeding Edwin van der Sar received a ringing endorsement from an unlikely source on Monday as he closed in on a ?17.8million move to Manchester United. [LNB]The Atletico Madrid goalkeeper flew into Manchester for a medical, ahead of signing a long-term deal to become Old Trafford's new No 1, as exclusively forecast in Sportsmail four months ago. [LNB] [LNB] First clean sheet: It's a cloak and dagger operation at the Bridgewater Hospital for the arrival of David De Gea ahead of his Manchester United medical as security guards (above) hold up a child's blanket to hide him from prying eyes...[LNB] ...but in a botched operation the blanket only covers the steps from the car and the goalkeeper's move, as revealed by Sportsmail in March, is out of the bag[LNB] [LNB] Though only 20, he has been singled out by manager Sir Alex Ferguson to fill the void left by Van der Sar's retirement in a recruitment drive that will exceed ?50m following the acquisition of Blackburn defender Phil Jones and Aston Villa winger Ashley Young. [LNB]If it sounds a daunting task at such a tender age, De Gea's counterpart at rivals Liverpool, fellow Spaniard Pepe Reina, is convinced he can handle it.[LNB] Almost there: Keeper David de Gea (right) is set to seal his move to Old Trafford[LNB] Reina said: 'I very much welcome this news, because David is a great keeper. When it becomes official, he is going to start working to prove in the Premier League what a good goalkeeper he is.[LNB] 'I know Atletico are looking for a keeper now, but I won't be changing colours. I have a five-year contract at Liverpool and I am happy there.' [LNB]De Gea and his girlfriend have already spent time with Ferguson and been shown round United's Carrington training complex. [LNB]He will sign a five-year deal and join fellow newcomers Jones, who cost ?16.5m, and Young, a ?16m buy. [LNB]With West Bromwich considering a move for unsettled Tomasz Kuszczak, Denmark's Anders Lindegaard looks sure to be de Gea's understudy. [LNB] All over: Edwin van der Sar called time on his playing career at the end of the season[LNB]Young's arrival may have done little for Nani's prospects of a starting place, but the Portugal winger insisted he was ready to stay and fight for a place. He said: 'United are a fantastic club and I have to welcome everyone they sign.' [LNB]Nani admitted he was 'bored' sitting on the bench at the Champions League final against Barcelona but took issue with City's Carlos Tevez over his criticism of Manchester as a place to live. [LNB]'It was boring because you want to play,' he said. 'The finals are for playing, but the manager makes the decision and I have to respect that. I think, for football, Manchester is the best place to live if you want to be a good professional and you want to be successful.' [LNB] High hopes: Pepe Reina has backed countryman De Gea to be a big hit in the Premier League[LNB] Sir Alex wants me! Izaguirre claims United are to discuss move with CelticUnited join race to sign Arsenal and Chelsea target Thiago from BarcelonaClub-by-club guide to all the Barclays Premier League summer transfersPREMIER LEAGUE NEW KIT SPECIAL: Strips your team will wear in 2011-12All the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Pepe Reina, Ashley Young, Edwin Van Der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Carlos Tevez, Nani Places: Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester, Portugal, Denmark
