David De Gea set to kill Real Madrid speculation by extending contract

Posted Saturday, March 03, 2018 by Express.co.uk

David De Gea set to kill Real Madrid speculation by extending contract
David De Gea is set to extend his Manchester United contract, according to Guillem Balague

DAVID DE GEA is close to renewing his Manchester United contract, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

The Spain international has less than 18 months left on his contract and is attracting interest from Real Madrid.

But his representatives have been in talks with Old Trafford chiefs over a new deal and an agreement in near.

Sky Sports pundit Balague revealed: "I think De Gea is close to renewing his contract at Manchester United."

De Gea joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and has established himself as one of the world's best goalkeepers.

He was on the brink of joining Real Madrid on deadline day in the summer of 2015 but a faulty fax machine caused the deal to collapse.

De Gea put pen to paper on a new four-year deal with United a fortnight later and is expected to snub overtures from the Spanish giants again.

The 27-year-old appeared to pledge his future to the Red Devils in an interview with the Daily Star Sunday last month.

"Time flies by so quickly," he said. "I've been here seven years and I am happy.

"A lot has happened to me - some very good, some not so good, - but to be honest I am just really happy.

"I feel like an important player in the dressing room. I am one of the oldest in the team.

"It makes me happy to see the younger players coming through - and trying to make United big."

De Gea has conceded just 23 goals in 34 games this season and United boss Jose Mourinho has urged bigwig Ed Woodward to sort out a contract extension.

The club have an automatic one-year option but, speaking in January, Mourinho said: "The option, it's obvious that we're not going to let the option disappear.

"A goalkeeper like he is and obviously a club that wants to be better and better and better, we are not going to let that year option go away.

"But obviously we are going to try [for a new deal].

"Mr Woodward is not on holiday. He barely has holidays. Of course he's going to try to give him a contract that keeps him here for much longer than that option that of course we are going to execute.

"I just trust the board and the work they do. I don't negotiate players, I don't discuss numbers and contracts.

"I just say what is obvious. Anyone of you would say the same - David is to keep."