Manchester United haven’t had many things to smile about this season.
The Red Devils sit 10th in the Premier League table, having tasted defeat three times in nine matches.
They’re already out of the Carabao Cup and the best they can hope for in their Champions League group appears to be second place.
It’s been a similar story for the club in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement: inconsistency and bleak performances.
But throughout their struggles since Ferguson left the club in 2013, one thing has remained constant: David de Gea’s excellence.
The Spaniard has won Manchester United’s Player of the Year award in four of the past five seasons.
In that time he’s developed into one of the finest goalkeepers in the world.
De Gea is wanted
The Red Devils have had to fend off interest in De Gea - mostly from Real Madrid - but the latest reports surrounding the 27-year-old will concern supporters.
Juventus, who defeated Man United 1-0 on Tuesday, are reportedly eyeing a move for De Gea on a free transfer.
The former Atletico Madrid ‘keeper will be out of contract next summer, although the Red Devils have the option of extending that by a year.
But according to The Times, Juventus are willing to wait for De Gea to become available on a free before making an attempt to sign him.
An insider at Old Trafford told the newspaper: "De Gea played against his future club on Tuesday. Juve are an expert in intelligent deals.
"If United don't sell him in the summer, Juventus will wait until the end of his contract."
The part about the Old Lady being an ‘expert’ in intelligent deals is true. They paid next to nothing to sign Paul Pogba in 2012 before selling him back to Man United for £89 million.
They also snapped up former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can on a free transfer in June.
The report adds that Juve are in pole position to sign the Spain international after Real Madrid bought Thibaut Courtois from Chelsea.
Man United have done well to keep De Gea at the club for so long but given the lack of success in recent years, it’s understandable why he wouldn’t sign a new contract.