David de Gea to Barcelona?! La Liga giants 'exploring' potential free transfer for ex-Man Utd goalkeeper as he sets sight on return to Spain after nine months of unemployment

De Gea remains a free agent following his summer exit from Manchester United. The goalkeeper has spent a frustrating season on the sidelines after failing to find a new club over the last nine months, but has now attracted interest from Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo. The cash-strapped Catalans are exploring a potential "strategic" free transfer in a bid to boost their goalkeeping options.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is Barcelona's current first choice goalkeeper and any move for De Gea would see the goalkeeper arrive as a back-up option to the German. De Gea is thought to be keen to return to Spain but whether he would be willing to accept a secondary role remains to be seen. La Masia graduate Inaki Pena has deputised for Ter Stegen this summer but struggled at times while the Germany international was out earlier this season with a back injury. Pena be tempted to move on in the summer in search of more regular game time.

Ter Stegen matched the record for clean sheets in La Liga last season. The goalkeeper notched 26 clean sheets in 38 games to help Barcelona win the title.

De Gea has offered few clues on his future, which is looking increasingly uncertain the longer he spends out of the game. The Spaniard is an experienced stopper who has been linked with several clubs, including Nottingham Forest and Saudi side Al-Shabab, since his Old Trafford exit but it's still impossible to know where, or even if, he will play top-level football again next season.