De Gea told he could compete for major honours if he completes Newcastle transfer and is ‘definitely an upgrade on Pope’
DAVID DE GEA has been told to sign for Newcastle and get “competing for major honours” again by a Toon and Manchester United legend.
The goalkeeper, 33, is still unemployed after failing to agree a new reduced deal with the Red Devils last summer.
Despite De Gea winning the Golden Glove last term, United released the Spanish international on his wedding day in June and he is yet to find a new club.
Erik Ten Hag instead brought in Andre Onana from Inter Milan as a replacement, but the Cameroon ace has made a number of high-profile errors so far since his arrival at Old Trafford.
De Gea, who was part of the last Premier League title winning side at United under Sir Alex Ferguson, returned to Manchester in October after enjoying some time with his family back in Madrid.
That has led to some fans begging Ten Hag to bring him back in place of Onana, while he has also been linked with several other teams, including Newcastle.
The Magpies are currently without their first-choice goalie Nick Pope due to a long-term shoulder injury.
And, amid the links to the North East side, De Gea has revealed he is continuing to train as he looks for a new club.
Now former Newcastle and United striker Cole, whose goals helped him achieve icon status with both clubs, has urged the stopper to sign for Eddie Howe’s men.
And he also believes that he would be an upgrade on Pope.
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When asked by BetFred on whether he thinks it would be a good move, Cole, 52, said: “Absolutely, it would be a great move for David.
“Regardless of what Newcastle United are going through at the moment, they’re two years ahead of schedule and if David was to go there, I think he would only improve them.
“It’s not as if he’s a downgrade on Nick Pople because David would definitely be an upgrade.
“Pope is a very good goalkeeper, but during his time with Manchester United, David was phenomenal.”
Cole continued: “People still like to talk about David’s mistakes, but we all make mistakes. Midfielders misplace passes, centre-forwards miss chances, centre-halves make mistakes and goalkeepers make errors too.
“In the grand scheme of things, he’s without doubt a top, top goalkeeper and if the opportunity did come for him to move to Newcastle, there’s no doubt he would look at that offer and consider it.”
Expanding on why St. James’ Park would be the ideal destination for him, Cole added: “To play in front of that crowd week in, week out, with the passion that’s shown, I really do think he would go for it if the opportunity presented itself.
“Regardless of what happens this season, with all the injuries they’ve had, the club is on the up and they will be competing in the next few years.
“Newcastle United haven’t spent a lot of money since the new ownership came in, so when they do decide to spend a few quid then bloody hell, David could be part of a team competing for major honours.”
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