Reports: Manchester United to sign Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero
Manchester United are expected to sign Sergio Romero on a three-year deal, according to the sports daily Gazzetta Dello Sport. The club reportedly saw off interest from AS Roma and Inter Milan to land the shot-stopper, who is set to replace Victor Valdes in United’s squad after the Spaniard and Louis van Gaal had a fallout.
David De Gea is currently embroiled in a transfer saga of sorts with La Liga giants Real Madrid, and United manager Louis van Gaal wants to bring in an experienced goalkeeper to compete with him as well as provide cover, after he decided to put Valdes on sale for not following his philosophy.
Romero is expected to earn a fee of around £1.3m per season and has been in discussions all summer over a move to Old Trafford. The 28-year-old is an experienced player and is currently a free agent after his contract with Sampdoria expired.
The Argentine has been a regular member of the Argentine national team ever since his debut in 2009 and is their most capped goalkeeper of all time. He played every minute of the Albiceleste’s games during their run to the final of the Copa America, and also participated in the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments.
Despite having an impressive career at the international level, the World Cup finalist didn’t exactly have a good season at Sampdoria, where he made only 11 appearances. The keeper has been used to providing cover for first choice keepers in his recent seasons at the club level, playing second fiddle to Subaši? at Monaco and Viviano at Sampdoria.
Romero wants move away from Serie A
The keeper turned down Serie A giants AS Roma and Inter Milan as he wanted a move away from Italy, with his preferred destination being the Premier League. He is currently on a holiday following the recent conclusion of the 2015 Copa America in Chile.
Although it remains to be seen what Van Gaal’s plans for Valdes are, he is expected to provide a good backup option for David De Gea, and might be offered a chance to prove himself in England’s domestic cup competitions.
The Red Devils are currently undergoing pre-season preparations in the United States and are competing in the International Champions Cup. They have won both matches played so far, and will take on Barcelona in their third game of the tournament, at the Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco.