Ex-Man United star David de Gea ‘is being monitored by Barcelona as a back-up option to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’ as the cash-strapped Catalans ‘weigh-up a move for the free agent’

Barcelona are eyeing a move for former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea this summer, according to reports. 

De Gea is without a club still after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season as the Premier League‘s Golden Glove winner, allowed to leave the club on a free transfer. 

The Spanish stopper has been a free agent ever since, although he is yet to secure a new employer, despite being linked with a number of high profile vacancies. 

Now, according to reports from Spain, De Gea is being considered as a back up option for Barcelona. 

Mundo Deportivo claims that the Catalan side are looking to upgrade on current No 2 Inaki Pena, who is contracted until 2026. 

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the current No 1 at Barcelona but missed 17 games through injury earlier this season

With Barcelona short of funds, selling Pena to bring in De Gea for free would represent a cost-effective way to reinforce their goalkeeping options behind No 1 Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

Pena had initially impressed with Ter Stegen out on the sidelines earlier this season, missing 17 matches in total.

Yet the 24-year-old then began to let the goals slip by, his dip in form coinciding with that of the club, in a period that saw him concede 19 times in 10 LaLiga outings.  

In De Gea Barca would find a goalkeeper with 545 games worth of experience at the highest level. 

The 33-year-old has already been blooded numerous times in European club competition, as well as earning 45 caps for Spain. 

However, De Gea is not their only target, with the club already monitoring Lazio loanee Luis Maximiano who has impressed at Almeria. 

Barcelona are crippled by financial struggles and a free move could prove a prudent way to save on reinforcements

There is as yet no concrete confirmation that…