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. 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. 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. .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 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. 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. Almost there: Keeper David de Gea (right) is set to seal his move to Old Trafford 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. '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.' De Gea and his girlfriend have already spent time with Ferguson and been shown round United's Carrington training complex. He will sign a five-year deal and join fellow newcomers Jones, who cost ?16.5m, and Young, a ?16m buy. With West Bromwich considering a move for unsettled Tomasz Kuszczak, Denmark's Anders Lindegaard looks sure to be de Gea's understudy. All over: Edwin van der Sar called time on his playing career at the end of the seasonYoung'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.' 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. '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.' High hopes: Pepe Reina has backed countryman De Gea to be a big hit in the Premier League 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 Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Pepe Reina, Ashley Young, Edwin Van Der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Carlos Tevez, Nani Places: Liverpool, Barcelona, Manchester, Portugal, Denmark