Manchester United have reportedly made goalkeeper David De Gea an improved contract offer this summer. Simon Stone of the BBC has reported that this contract offer would see De Gea as the highest paid goalkeeper in world football. United activated the extra years on the player’s contract during last season.

Over the past year, United has been trying to get the 28-year-old to sign a new contract – which has so far failed. The Spanish number one was linked to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer – something which does not look like it will materialise. United had also been linked with a host of goalkeepers in order to replace the Spaniard.

Stone reported that it is believed that De Gea would rather stay at United but his advisors feel that as his stature at the club has risen, largely after winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in four seasons out of five, that he should be one of the highest earners at the club. With all respect, he is a player who has put in the effort post-Sir Alex Ferguson.

The contract that Alexis Sanchez has at United will be seen as a benchmark, which is dangerous ground for United as when other players want new contracts, that will become a benchmark too – but Ed Woodward caused all this by giving Sanchez what he gave him, especially when you factor in the failure of the Chilean after 18 months at the club.

United would obviously like to keep De Gea – I would too. However, I have written about the club having a life after De Gea, which is a fact. If De Gea wanted to leave, I am sure he would have ensured that he would be undergoing pre-season training at another club right now, however, he is still at United – that must mean something.

United were seemingly happy to let the player run his contract down at the club as it would allow them to try and tempt him to remain at the Theatre of Dreams and if these reports are true, the groundwork has been done and United could well be keeping their number one goalkeeper which is great news for the stability of the squad.