Everton's Jordan Pickford 'lined up if David De Gea moves to Real Madrid - and Ronaldo could be used as makeweight'
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Manchester United are preparing for life without Spanish stopper David De Gea as they keep watch over Everton's Jordan Pickford to replace him.
De Gea has been a long-term target for Real Madrid, and it is expected that the 27-year-old keeper could be making the switch this summer.
That would pave the way for United to move for 23-year-old Pickford, who has been in good form since his transfer to the Toffees.
The Sun report that United would have to pay significantly more than the £30 million Everton paid in the summer to land Pickford, with a touted figure of £50 million likely to persuade the Merseyside club to sell.
(Image: Getty Images)
That would not be a problem for Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho, who could use the cash from any transfer involving De Gea to bankroll the deal.
Mourinho has done well to hold on to De Gea for so long, but is thought to be resigned to losing their star keeper.
The Express have reported that former United star Cristiano Ronaldo could be used as a makeweight in any kind of deal for De Gea.
The Portuguese striker is rumoured to be unhappy at the Bernabeu and would be open to involvement in some kind of swap deal in the summer.
Other gossip
United are in advanced talks to sign promising left winger Justin Kluivert from Ajax.
PSG's Marco Verratti is a target for United to provide competition for Paul Pogba in central midfield (4th official)