Manchester United are close to completing their third signing of this summer transfer window, in a surprise deal for Stoke City’s deputy goalkeeper Lee Grant. According to The Telegraph, Grant is being targeted as United’s third-choice shotstopper behind David de Gea and Sergio Romero, with Joel Pereira likely to head out on loan this summer.
Grant, 35, has previously played for Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley and had two long spells with Derby County, but has only made fleeting appearances for Stoke during the last two seasons due to the emergence of Jack Butland as the club’s no.1. As a free agent, Grant will be available for free, and will likely sign a one-year deal in order to provide cover for De Gea and Romero.
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It’s encouraging to hear that Pereira is still in United’s plans, given that the Portuguese under-21 international has been highly touted by Jose Mourinho during his time at Old Trafford. Pereira will likely star for the club during this summer’s pre-season tour, given that De Gea will either be competing in or recovering from his exertions with Spain in the World Cup. Sergio Romero is expected to be fit for the trip, having picked up an injury that ruled him out of selection for Argentina shortly before the tournament started.
Elsewhere, United are reportedly close to sealing Marouane Fellaini’s signature on a two-year deal that will keep the Belgian international at the club until 2020. The former Everton midfielder had been widely expected to leave Old Trafford when his current deal expired at the end of June, but Fellaini appears to have had a change of heart, and will extend his career at the club to the seven-year mark. A large section of the club’s fans will likely be unhappy, given doubts about this quality and utilisation, but Mourinho is known to rate the player highly.
