Man Utd ramp up scouting operation as they fear losing David De Gea in January transfer

MANCHESTER UNITED spies are scouring Europe for goalkeepers – fuelling fears they may sell David De Gea in January.

De Gea has still not signed United’s offer of a new deal, worth around £350,000-a-week, despite months of talks.

With the chance of him doing so lessening by the week, it means he could leave Old Trafford for nothing when his contract expires at the end of the season.

If United are not at least challenging for the top four by the turn of the year, De Gea will almost certainly want away.

While the club are still desperate to keep him, insiders believe he will be sold in the next window, to avoid missing out on a hefty fee.

And that has seen them drawing up contingency plans if the long-term stand-off with their Spanish keeper isn’t resolved.

Argentine Sergio Romero is contracted until 2021, with the option of a further 12 months, but is viewed as back-up keeper.

And although Dean Henderson, back on loan at Sheffield United, has a deal which runs a year longer, he is still viewed as one for the future – hence the scouting mission.

Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak has always been on United’s radar and they have continued to monitor him.

But United have also been watching games in Eastern Europe recently, with Dinamo Zagreb No.1 Dominik Livakovic high on their list.

De Gea’s own form dipped last season, but he remains one of the world’s top keepers, and United still believe they would get north of £30 million, even with only six months left.

Paris St Germain has been watching his situation closely, and certainly wouldn’t be put off by the asking price.