Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been linked with a shock move to Chelsea, but according to transfer journalist Dean Jones, it is ‘unlikely.’

After a 12-year stint with Manchester United during which he made 545 appearances and won eight titles, the Spaniard became a free agent in the summer.

Although De Gea’s form has dipped in recent years, it is quite unexpected that a player of his caliber remains unsigned. He did, after all, win the Premier League Golden Glove award last season.

Many teams have expressed interest in De Gea in recent months, but no agreement has been reached.

A move to Saudi Arabia has always appeared possible, but sources say that the seasoned goalkeeper is hesitant to leave the Gulf kingdom for family reasons.

Pundits have recently urged Manchester United to re-sign De Gea, with his successor Andre Onana now struggling for form.

However, as previously said, Chelsea are the only Premier League team currently linked with De Gea, with Mauricio Pochettino looking to bring in competition for Robert Sanchez.

Journo plays down De Gea’s links with Chelsea

According to renowned transfer journalist Dean Jones, Chelsea’s recruitment of De Gea could be a major risk because to his exorbitant wage demands and the fact that he would compete with Sanchez for a starting berth.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “It’s very easy to say, ‘Why has nobody signed de Gea?’ Then you remember that he was one of Man Utd’s highest earners, and as a free agent, how much will it cost to have somebody like that on your books?

“He hasn’t played football for a long time now. At United, he was considered, at times, to be error-prone anyway.

“So, if he hasn’t played for a long time, and he’s coming into the heat of the Premier League again, how long will it take to see the best version of de Gea? Is it going to be something that you can rely on?

“I don’t think de Gea will go into any club, to be honest, looking to be a number two. I don’t think that’s going to interest him.

“So, the competition for places at Chelsea probably wouldn’t be something he would want.

“But he must start playing football again soon; otherwise, we’re talking about a player heading to premature retirement.

“So, it’ll be interesting to see what crops up, but I don’t think it’ll be at Chelsea.”