Erik ten Hag ‘blocks’ Man Utd star’s transfer amid concern over contract situation

Erik ten Hag has reportedly blocked an exit request from one of Manchester United’s stars.

It’s set to be an interesting summer for United, who are expected to make a number of signings, while also needing to trim the edges of the squad in a bid to refine ahead of a Champions League season. Ten Hag and the club’s chiefs will already be hard at work as they look to identify and land targets ahead of the new season.

Meanwhile, there are a number of decisions to be made on current players, namely with David De Gea, who is out of contract, while the likes of Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho have been tipped for exit.

As far as De Gea is concerned, it looked as though the Spaniard would stay for at least another year on a reduced deal, but there are fresh doubts over whether a new contract will be signed, with claims United have withdrawn their contract offer.

In a fresh twist, according to The Telegraph, back-up keeper Tom Heaton has requested a departure, keen to join Luton Town this summer. It’s claimed Heaton wants to be a Premier League number one again at age 37, but Ten Hag has decided to block the veteran’s departure due to the issues the club are facing between the sticks.

It’s claimed there is fresh concern over the goalkeeping department with De Gea set to leave and Dean Henderson likely to join him in departing through the exit doors. Heaton has been told he must stay as a result, according to the report, with Ten Hag concerned he will be left without a keeper for the new season.

Though, that situation could change if United are able to bring in goalkeeping targets over the coming weeks. The question is whether Luton - or any other interested club - are willing to wait around.