Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane jokingly proposed that Kevin De Bruyne should consider joining the Old Trafford club when his contract with Manchester City expires this summer.
De Bruyne, 33, has confirmed his intention to leave City once his current deal concludes.
This season, the Belgian midfielder has appeared 34 times for Pep Guardiola’s team across all competitions, contributing five goals and eight assists.
However, after making 416 appearances for the Sky Blues over ten years, De Bruyne is preparing for a new challenge elsewhere.
While speaking on Sky Sports prior to City’s crucial match against Aston Villa in the race for Champions League qualification, Keane made a lighthearted remark suggesting De Bruyne could stay in Manchester but switch to United.
When fellow Sky pundit Shay Given commented that De Bruyne “can turn up at another Premier League club and that is a concern for City,” Keane quipped in response: “United? He wouldn`t have to move house.”
Following City’s 2-0 victory against Everton on Saturday, De Bruyne discussed his future with the media, admitting it was “a little bit of a shock” that the reigning Premier League champions had not offered him a new contract.
He maintained that he still believes he “can perform at this level like I’m showing” and stated he is “open for anything” regarding his next career move.
De Bruyne has previously been linked with potential transfers to Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League, and there are ongoing rumours that he could join another Premier League side.
Keane expressed his continued belief that De Bruyne possesses the quality needed to trouble opposing teams when given the opportunity.
He commented: “We know how ruthless Man City can be at a certain age.
“Give him time on the ball and he will punish you, all he needs is a moment.
“As much as you try and stop him, you can't in certain areas.”
