De Gea contract uncertainty as Lampard misery continues: FootballTransfers recap

Robin Bairner

• 15 Apr 2023 18:14 CDT
• 4 min read

As the climax of the season approaches, it’s a busy time for clubs both on and off the field as they seek to get themselves in as strong a position before the summer as possible.

For many clubs, that means finishing in as high a position as possible, while for others it can mean tidying up key administrative tasks like signing players to new contracts.

Manchester United are certainly trying to do that with goalkeeper David de Gea, but reports suggest that he is not happy with their proposal. Given the astonishing pay cut that the Red Devils are offering, that’s perhaps not very surprising.

Ten Hag drops striker hint

While De Gea faces a battle for his Man Utd future, manager Erik ten Hag apparently faces a fight to secure the striker that he wants for next season. In any case, he has dropped a strong hint as to the identity of his favoured candidate.

Man Utd fans eager to sign their Rodri

Meanwhile, Man Utd fans have been excited about the prospect of signing a midfielder with a £60 million asking price who some believe could be their version of Rodri.

Chelsea’s misery goes on

Down the road at Chelsea, the challenges are very different. Getting to next season with their credibility in tact is the challenge, and already pressure is building on interim manager Frank Lampard after just three matches.

This has done little to quieten Roy Keane, who has branded Lampard as a “lucky boy” for finding himself in the position he is.

Liverpool making midfield moves

Liverpool may have given up any hope of signing Jude Bellingham, but it appears they are moving on quickly, with the agent of a high-profile player spotted at Anfield.

Jesus shuts Arsenal teammate up

And finally there has been success off the field for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, who has given midfielder Jorginho one less reason for taking the mick out of him.