Manchester United Transfer News: Diego Godin Talk Rubbished, David De Gea Latest

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has totally dismissed claims Diego Godin could be on his way to Manchester United, insisting that the highly rated defender will not be leaving the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

The Press Association (via ESPN FC) quotes the Argentinian boss speaking to the Spanish media about his centre-back and the potential deal, with Simeone laughing off the suggestion he would sell for £20 million: "Let's talk about something else. How much? Twenty? For Godin? It must be a mistake.''

Godin has been a huge influence in Atletico's recent success, and his partnership with Miranda has kept Simeone's defensive unit both tight and solid.

Harry Sherlock of Goal.com states Godin has a £28.5 million release clause in his current deal, but it seems Simeone will remain resistant to any move happening on his watch.

The 28-year-old featured 44 times for Atleti in La Liga and the Champions League last term, per WhoScored.com, as his club captured the Spanish championship and came runners-up in Europe's biggest club tournament. 

United have been stripped bare at the back and were thought to be ready to pounce for Godin, per the PA (via ESPN FC). Simone's words strongly suggest Louis van Gaal will have to look elsewhere for solutions.

The Red Devils have received better news in their quest to hold on to the hottest goalkeeper in European football at the moment: David De Gea.

The Spanish stopper has continued the fine form that he cultivated last season and has been impressive for Van Gaal since the coach took over.

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Spanish football expert Graham Hunter reports that De Gea believes "something is beginning to happen" at United, with the quality of signings improving and Van Gaal's influence being felt.

He believes United will need to look after De Gea in order for him to remain, but the goalkeeper seems content in Manchester:

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The Spaniard is, if not timid, a quiet, home-loving, intensely serious and intense young man. He’s been fundamental in making sure that Ander Herrera settles in and is happy at United—the two of them and Juan Mata live within a stone’s throw of each other and they are the central core of the Spanish-society at United.

His sister and parents often come to stay with him in England, bringing Spanish food with them, and if anyone tells you that de Gea is in love with the climate of North Western England then challenge them on that assertion. The strategic question for de Gea and his representatives is whether United as a club, and as a squad, are in step with him—both now and over the next four years? Are they about to move up and become dominant?

The word on the training ground is that de Gea feels aware that "something is beginning to happen" at the club. That the quality of signings is rising, that Van Gaal is demanding in a way which will benefit those who wish to play and train as De Gea does.

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Hunter's tone will please United fans, who have fallen head-over-heels in love with the bearded keeper. De Gea's performance levels have steadily improved over the past two years, and Red Devils supporters are proud at the way he has challenged his critics from his first season in England.

Real Madrid will likely move heaven and earth to get the No. 1 once it is clear Iker Casillas is past his very best and on his way out.

One of the reasons United released David Moyes was in order to restructure the leadership hierarchy of their management. Moyes did not offer the players the security in development that Van Gaal clearly does—and as Hunter states, this is important to De Gea.

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The club may well be out of the Champions League this season, but it has given United time to lick their wounds and look forward, as opposed to looking constantly toward the glittering past of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Players like De Gea cross that divide, having played for the great former manager and now plying his trade for LvG.

It is vital United hold on to De Gea as the team looks to find an acceptable equilibrium once again.

De Gea could well leapfrog the likes of Manuel Neuer and Gigi Buffon in the very near future, so the only action Ed Woodward and Van Gaal can make is to offer the goalkeeper the huge contract he now deserves.