01 August 2023 , 16:27
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MLS goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who is linked with a move to Manchester United, has missed training after his club rejected offers for his services from Europe.
New England Revolution stopper has experienced a whirlwind rise since swapping Cukaricki, Serbia, for the US last year and was named as the second best MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. That accolade came after just 21 games stateside and he has has been integral for his team yet again this campaign.
The Revs currently sit behind leaders Cincinnati FC in the Eastern Conference standings after 23 rounds in second place, with Petrovic having contributed to seven clean sheets this term. His strong showings have not gone unnoticed further afield either and Nottingham Forest lodged a bid for his services, as per the Athletic.
Ligue 1 club Nantes also made an identical offer to the City Ground outfit, with the fee believed to be in the region of $8 million (£6.27 million) plus add-ons. However, Bruce Arena's team have dismissed these offers and hope to keep the 23-year-old stateside for the time being.
In the case of Forest, they also retain a major interest in Manchester United's Dean Henderson - who spent last season on loan with the club- as well as Arsenal's back-up Matt Turner. Coincidentally, the latter was the man Petrovic replaced at Gillette Stadium after he joined the Gunners.
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Given the franchise's strong form in MLS this season, it is no surprise they would be reluctant to lose the two-time international. It is added the Revs would prefer to wait until winter for any hypothetic sale as they target potential glory in the second half of the season.
But as Arena's players look towards the post-season, the Serbian's decision to miss training after bids were rejected for his services leaves the manager with bridges to build.
Sign for New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic at Gillette Stadium. (Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)It is believed that the talented stopper missed practise on Monday and the club now face a situation of either getting their emerging star back on side or letting him leave. If they were to take the second option, they would have only a day to find a replacement - albeit with the caveat of the free agent window being still open until September 13.
There is no doubt that Petrovic's stock has risen considerably and he was considered by Manchester United in previous months as they looked to solve their conundrum in this position, as per the Manchester Evening News.
Of course, manager Erik ten Hag was left with some tough decisions to make ahead of next season, especially with David de Gea's contract having expired. He has since put his faith in Inter Milan's Andre Onana, who has moved to Old Trafford after starring in the Serie A club's run to the Champions League final last term.