Manchester United have loaned five players out on transfer deadline day, including a keeper who ‘has the potential to be even better than De Gea’.
United have not made a signing in the January transfer window but have been busy nonetheless.
Anthony Martial extended his Old Trafford contract on Thursday, while Marouane Fellaini edged closer to the exit door.
But five more low-key departures have been confirmed, with keeper Joel Pereira the most high-profile.
The Portuguese has joined Belgian side KV Kortrijk until the end of the season, with United believing him to be De Gea’s natural successor.
United could field a decent five-a-side team out of the other loanees, with midfielders Callum Whelan, Matty Willock and Tom Sang joining Port Vale, Crawley and AFC Fylde on loan respectively.
Completing the quintet is 20-year-old Zak Dearnley, who is headed to Oldham.