Who can Manchester United replace David de Gea with? Sportsmail takes a look at the potential candidates
- David de Gea looks set to sign for Real Madrid during the summer
- The Manchester United goalkeeper would be missed at Old Trafford
- Petr Cech, Tim Krul, Hugo Lloris and Victor Valdes could replace him
- Sportsmail delivers our verdict on the likelihood of each move
- READ: Manchester United can kiss De Gea goodbye
- Victor Valdes: I don't know if De Gea will leave Manchester United
With David de Gea seemingly set for Real Madrid, Manchester United must now begin the search for a new No 1.
The Red Devils hoped the Spaniard would go on to emulate the likes of Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar, given his emergence as the Barclays Premier League's top stopper this season.
Victor Valdes, who made his United debut in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal, does not know whether De Gea will stay, as he said: 'Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United are three of the biggest clubs in the world.
'Everyone in the world wants to play for these clubs. It's a question you would have to put to David. I cannot answer for him. I don't know (if he is leaving).'
And so, as the lure of Madrid looks to have proven too much for the 24-year-old, Sportsmail examines the contenders to fill De Gea's gloves next term.
![David de Gea looks destined to join Real Madrid from Manchester United during the summer](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/11/28CCC78100000578-3086167-image-a-1_1431946336361.jpg)
David de Gea looks destined to join Real Madrid from Manchester United during the summer
![The Manchester United goalkeeper looks set to leave Old Trafford and the club must seek a replacement](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/11/28CCC5F100000578-3086167-image-m-3_1431946344751.jpg)
The Manchester United goalkeeper looks set to leave Old Trafford and the club must seek a replacement
![Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal sits on his bench during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/12/28CB95EC00000578-3086167-image-a-24_1431947656649.jpg)
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal sits on his bench during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday
Petr Cech
At just 32, the Czech Republic star should still have his best years ahead of him at Chelsea.
However, younger model Thibaut Courtois has relegated him to the role of spectator for the large part this season.
But Cech's pain can be United's gain. He has been given permission to talk to other clubs by the Blues, and there will be a lengthy queue waiting to engage in such dialogue.
Cech is now a four-time Premier League winner and would bring experience to a United dressing-room, whose medal count is diminishing season-on-season.
United signed Edwin van der Sar when he was 34 and he still ranks as their best goalkeeper of recent years. Cech's age, then, is surely a positive.
VERDICT: 9/10 - United should move heaven and earth to sign Cech. The only problem is, they'll face stiff competition.
![Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is one of the names Manchester United could try to sign this summer](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/11/28B5DA8000000578-3086167-image-m-5_1431946360385.jpg)
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is one of the names Manchester United could try to sign this summer
![Cech has been replaced by younger model Thibaut Courtois (right) at Chelsea this season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/11/28B5F14A00000578-3086167-image-m-17_1431946427688.jpg)
Cech has been replaced by younger model Thibaut Courtois (right) at Chelsea this season
Hugo Lloris
It appears the France international is in pole position in the race to replace De Gea. It has been reported United will make an official enquiry for the 28-year-old and that he is keen to make the move north.
A sweeper-keeper with reflexes and agility, Lloris is arguably De Gea's closest rival for the title of the division's best stopper. He is a goalkeeper deserving of a Champions League stage and United would give him that.
With seven clean sheets this season he has again been one of Spurs' best performers and they will no doubt fight to retain his services.
VERDICT: 8.5/10 – It would take a sizeable fee to prise him away from White Hart Lane but United would be getting a top keeper to man their posts for the next five seasons at least.
![Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is reportedly the top target for Manchester United this summer](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/11/28C6387E00000578-3086167-image-a-8_1431946377319.jpg)
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is reportedly the top target for Manchester United this summer
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/17/28BFC2AD00000578-3086167-image-a-14_1431965915049.jpg)
Lloris is arguably De Gea's closest rival for the title of the division's best stopper in the Premier League
Victor Valdes
The 33-year-old only made his United debut as replacement for the injured De Gea during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
His belated bow came some five months after signing on a free transfer and there has been suggestion in Manchester's local press that he could replace De Gea as the club's No.1.
However, it is more likely that Valdes will remain as deputy or as challenger to a summer signing.
He has the experience of three Champions League crowns with Barcelona but never has he made a real impact at international level.
VERDICT: 7/10 – A very able deputy and his experience is invaluable but United will surely want better to start next season as their main man.
![Victor Valdes is likely to remain as deputy or as challenger to a summer signing by Manchester United](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/11/28C9866300000578-3086167-image-m-15_1431946410104.jpg)
Victor Valdes is likely to remain as deputy or as challenger to a summer signing by Manchester United
![Valdes has the experience of three Champions League titltes with Barcelona and could replace De Gea](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/14/28C8A35400000578-3086167-image-m-40_1431956528956.jpg)
Valdes has the experience of three Champions League titltes with Barcelona and could replace De Gea
![Valdes only made his United debut as replacement for the injured De Gea during Sunday¿s 1-1 draw](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/11/28CCC77D00000578-3086167-image-m-14_1431946400750.jpg)
Valdes only made his United debut as replacement for the injured De Gea during Sunday's 1-1 draw
Tim Krul
The Newcastle custodian has a good relationship with Louis van Gaal after their time spent together with the Holland national team.
Indeed, Krul was his penalty shootout hero during the second-round victory over Costa Rica at last summer's World Cup and there has been talk of interest from Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old is ambitious and would no doubt jump at the chance of joining forces with his compatriot.
His form has suffered slightly this season amid Newcastle's struggle but perhaps a change of scenery is needed for a keeper who had looked destined for the very top.
VERDICT: 7.5/10 – Van Gaal would be gambling on Krul rediscovering the form which saw him so highly rated a few seasons back. Perhaps that worry will see United look elsewhere.
![Tim Krul has a good relationship with Van Gaal after their time spent together with the Dutch national team](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/11/28CBE49600000578-3086167-image-a-12_1431946393306.jpg)
Tim Krul has a good relationship with Van Gaal after their time spent together with the Dutch national team
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/17/28C25AA800000578-3086167-image-a-15_1431966169677.jpg)
Krul could make the move from Newcastle to Manchester if Van Gaal tries to sign the goalkeeper
P.S. What about Joel Pereira?
Sportsmail reported in January that the 18-year-old was set for elevation to the senior ranks as understudy to De Gea.
Signed at 16, Pereira is well thought of inside Old Trafford and has already won international honours at youth level with Portugal, although he also qualifies for the country of his birth, Switzerland.
He is now fluent in English and is said to have settled well at the club, winning praise from coaching staff. The Under-21s remains his most likely residence next season, but a first-team breakthrough in the coming years is also expected.
![Joel Pereira is well thought of inside Old Trafford and has been tipped for a first-team breakthrough before](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/05/18/12/289D5F0D00000578-3086167-image-m-18_1431947294522.jpg)
Joel Pereira is well thought of inside Old Trafford and has been tipped for a first-team breakthrough before
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