Manchester United closing in on Lee Grant signing

Manchester United are looking to sign Lee Grant as their third-choice goalkeeper for next season according to reports in Telegraph. The 35-year-old Stoke City man is seen as the ideal 3rd choice keeper by Jose Mourinho.

The Englishman played against United twice in the 2016/17 season and was impressive in both fixtures. Jose Mourinho heaped praise on him after the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford that season. Grant also played a considerable part started in the reverse fixture at the Britannia which also ended 1-1.

Red Devils are looking for a backup option to David de Gea and Sergio Romero so that they can loan out their academy goalkeepers. Dean Henderson has already joined Sheffield United for the 2018/19 season shortly after signing a new contract this month.

MEN reports that last season's number three Joel Pereira will be allowed to head out on loan as well. ESPN sources claim that La Liga sides Real Betis, Sevilla and Real Sociedad as well as Torino, Atalanta and Fiorentina in Serie A want him.

United are also looking to loan out Under-23 goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara to a club in the Football League. Their only other choice would have been Sam Johnstone, who recently returned from a successful 18-month spell with Aston Villa.

However,  he has already made it clear that he intends to leave United this summer. He is not willing to be on the bench for United nor does he want to go out on loan again.

MEN Sources claim that Grant is unlikely to get any game-time, and he will remain a flexible cover for De Gea and Romero. There are also reports that Manchester United will push Grant into the coaching staff after the end of the next season.

He is likely to join the Red Devils as a free agent following Stoke City's relegation to the Championship.