Petr Cech on Manchester United's radar as David De Gea replacement search steps up

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, with the departure of David De Gea to Real Madrid appearing increasingly like a case of when rather than if.
The Spanish giants have identified De Gea as their number one target to replace the ageing Iker Casillas, and a summer bid is expectedly imminently for the 24-year-old.

Cech has had to play second fiddle to Thibaut Courtois this season at Stamford Bridge and has been told he can find a new club, and the Daily Mail’s north west reporter Mike Keegan believes there is some interest from United.

''It certainly seems De Gea is on his way. Petr Cech is on their radar, but then you have a case where you have two very experienced goalkeepers [at United],” said Keegan.

''[Victor] Valdes is there and has experience, but he looked a bit shaky when he came in. I think we might see a surprise, we might see someone we might not expect.”

Keegan also revealed that Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has been told next season will be his last in charge at the Etihad, regardless of how successful the coming campaign is.

The Chilean guided City to the Premier League title in 2013/2014 but disappointingly failed to muster a challenge to runaway champions Chelsea this term, with the Citizens hierarchy reportedly lining up Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola as their ideal replacement.

''There’s an agreement that this is his [Pellegrini’s] final year. I think when Pellegrini came in for three years, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Guardiola’s deal expires at the same time,” Keegan added.

''He [Guardiola] is seen as the ideal fit for City, because of the way City want to do things. They have a certain style of football and want to replicate Barcelona.”