Manchester United have reportedly initiated talks with David De Gea over a new long-term deal to fend off interest from Real Madrid.
According to a report by Daily Telegraph, Manchester United have begun preliminary talks with David De Gea over a new long-term deal. The Red Devils aim to not just secure the Spaniard’s future, but also ward off Real Madrid in the process, with the La Liga heavyweights still in search of a goalkeeper.
De Gea has well and truly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world since arriving at Manchester United over six years ago. Once considered a lanky liability, the Spain international is now one of the first names on the team sheet at Old Trafford – a vital cog for the Red Devils.
This season, De Gea boasts a league-high 13 clean sheets, cementing his place on the top of the goalkeeping charts in the Premier League. It, thus, does not come as a surprise that he has attracted interest from some of the best clubs in the world over the last few years, with Real Madrid desperately in his pursuit.
Manchester United have opened talks with goalkeeper David de Gea over a new long-term contract to ward off interest from Real Madrid. (Source: Telegraph) #MUFC #RMCF pic.twitter.com/Dnh8IWJ1Zd
— Transfer Centre Live (@TransferCenLive) January 18, 2018
Los Blancos had almost secured the Manchester United number one’s services in the summer of 2015 before the infamous fax machine moment. Real Madrid, though, have not given up hopes of signing De Gea, who remains one of their top targets.
The need to sign a top goalkeeper is an urgent one for Zinedine Zidane, with neither Keylor Navas nor Kiko Casilla looking the part between the sticks at the Bernabeu. With the goalkeeping spot a major problem area, Real Madrid are considering their options.
But, De Gea is admittedly content at Manchester United, who have now taken the first steps to secure the Spain international’s long-term future, with Jose Mourinho being vocal about the same. Discussions are only at an early stage as of now, with the Red Devils making contact with De Gea’s representatives a fortnight ago.
It now remains to be seen how talks progress over the foreseeable future, although Manchester United are confident that De Gea will not be making his way to Real Madrid and will instead sign a new contract at Old Trafford.
