According to Sky Sports, Manchester United are close to a surprise signing by announcing the arrival of Lee Grant.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new goalkeeper, with Jose Mourinho keen to add experience to his shot-stopping department.
The 35-year-old will probably come in as a third-choice goalkeeper as Argentine goalie, Sergio Romero, is still expected to be the number two with last season’s third choice, Joel Pereira, willing to go on loan to aid his development.
Mourinho believes that Grant will do a good job at Old Trafford, as he was impressed with the gangly goalkeeper in the 2016/2017 campaign. He played for Stoke and was praised for performing extraordinarily in an unlikely 1-1 draw.
Before that, he was arguably the best goalkeeper in the Championship in 2013-14 at Derby County; he made a string of excellent saves in their play-off semi-final win over Brighton that year.
Jose Mourinho wants another back-up option so that his academy goalies can go out on loan for a much needed first-team experience. Dean Henderson joined Sheffield United on a loan deal that will expire at the end of the season.
U23 goalie, Kieran O’Hara could also get playing time in the Football League while Sam Johnstone has confirmed his intent to leave United permanently after a 18-month loan spell at Aston Villa.
Grant impressed at the Bet 365 stadium the season before last following the injury to number 1, Jack Butland.
Sources close to United believe that Grant is heading to United with no prospect of playing first-team football, which is similar to the role Richard Wright played at Manchester City.
Wright was at The Etihad for 4 years, without making an appearance, later becoming a goalkeeping coach. Grant will offer reasonable cover for De Gea and Romero and could be drafted onto the coaching staff.
This is hardly a signing that will set pulses racing – but we want our young goalkeepers to be playing every week elsewhere and Grant is the best third-choice stopper we can attract.
