Sergio Romero has signed a new four year contract with Manchester United.
The Argentina goalkeeper has agreed a deal that will tie him to Old Trafford until June 2021 with the option of a further year.
The news comes at a time of continuing uncertainty over the future of David De Gea, who is coveted by Real Madrid.
United are braced for a bid for De Gea next month but believe they are in a stronger position to rebuff Real than in 2015, when the goalkeeper only had a year left on his contract.
De Gea was set to join Real in a £29 million deal with Keylor Navas moving in the opposite direction but the transfer collapsed on transfer deadline day with United and Real blaming each other for the farcical episode.
De Gea retains a strong desire to return to his home city of Madrid and play for Real, even though he will not agitate for a move.
Romero, 30, has proved a high quality deputy and was chosen over De Gea for the Europa League final triumph over Ajax after playing in most of the previous rounds.
The Argentine, who is represented by Mino Raiola, also agent to Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the recently departed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, kept 12 clean sheets in 18 matches in all competitions.
Whether Romero would be handed the No. 1 spot if De Gea left or manager Jose Mourinho moved for a new goalkeeper is unclear but the club have been looking at potential options in the transfer market.
“I am delighted to have signed a new contract," Romero said. "Who wouldn’t want to be at the biggest club in the world? We have great goalkeepers here and we are always learning from each other.
"Of course, it was a very proud moment for me and my family to be part of the Europa League final, and I am looking forward to helping the team build on last season’s success in 2017/18.”
Mourinho added: “Sergio is a great goalkeeper and professional. He had a good season and outstanding performances, especially in our Europa League success. Sergio deserves his contract, and for Manchester United to have Sergio and David is amazing in such an important role.”
Source: The Telegraph