David De Gea Contract: Latest News, Rumours on Manchester United Negotiations

David De Gea has developed into one of Manchester United's most important players across the last two seasons, but is currently rumoured to be the subject of interest from Real Madrid, per Sky Sports. The Madrid-born goalkeeper is one of the world's best shot stoppers and would likely command a major fee if United can't tie him to a new contract.

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De Gea Wants United Exit Clause

Sunday, Feb. 1

According to Simon Mullock of the Daily Mirror, United may be backed into a corner by De Gea's advisors, who want a release clause inserted into any new contract:

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Manchester United will have to include an escape clause if they are to persuade David De Gea to sign a new contract.

United believe they can still secure the Spanish international on a fresh deal, with just 17 months left on his current agreement.

But while the Red Devils are willing to break the bank by making De Gea the world’s highest-paid keeper on £200,000-a-week, the player’s advisers are demanding that a buy-out clause is included in any deal.

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It had previously been claimed on Jan. 28 that De Gea had inked a new five-year deal, worth a whopping £140,000 per week, to remain at United. This alleged agreement was tweeted by Italian publication Mediaset (translated by Jamie Sanderson of the Metro):

However, it has become clear an agreement between club and player is still some way off.

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United 'Confident' of Agreeing New De Gea Contract

Friday, Jan. 9

Manchester United are "confident of agreeing a lucrative new deal" for David De Gea after signing former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes to be the club's No. 2, according to Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail.

The Daily Star's Jeremy Cross believes De Gea will be offered £140,000 per week to extend his Old Trafford stay. Cross suggests the club "are in talks" with Jorge Mendes, the Spanish stopper's agent. It is also claimed De Gea wants "assurances" that United will continue to sign big-name players in order to remain competitive across coming seasons.

Valdes' arrival has certainly kicked speculation around De Gea's future into overdrive. Although tongue-in-cheek, former Liverpool captain and current Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher played on a very real fear with his tweet:

United boss Louis van Gaal assured fans Valdes has arrived as No. 2, however, as reported by David McDonnell of the Mirror:

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I am delighted Victor has signed for the club. Victor is a very experienced goalkeeper and his record speaks for itself. I have said on many occasions that Manchester United will always be interested in the best players.

Victor has remained very professional throughout his rehabilitation from injury and has been very impressive during his training sessions with the first team over the past weeks. He joins the club as the number two goalkeeper and is a great addition to the first team.

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Michael Regan/Getty Images

A range of reports now follow De Gea. He has been in terrific form, building on last year's campaign which saw him named United's Player of the Season by his peers and scoop the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Award at the side's annual awards meet.

Match-winning performances against the likes of Everton, Stoke and Liverpool have played a massive role in United's ascension to third. This run of form may have intensified prying eyes from Real Madrid, with Spanish publication Fichajes (h/t Jamie Sanderson of Metro) reporting he is simply "waiting" for a Bernabeu deal to go through.

Mark Ogden of the Telegraph believes De Gea's situation "could remain unresolved until the summer" due to the club's ongoing monitoring of Radamel Falcao. The Colombian striker is represented by Mendes, the same agent as De Gea, with Ogden suggesting a decision over permanently signing the on-loan Monaco man is currently a "more pressing issue."

B/R UK's Alex Dimond suggests United are preparing for De Gea's exit with Valdes' arrival:

United took years to replace Peter Schmeichel at the turn of the century and won't want to go through the same turmoil again.

It's fair to say Valdes is a natural No. 1 in his own right—he's won it all with Barcelona and Spain—but at 32 years old, he is a temporary solution. His free switch makes perfect sense, but it's unlikely Van Gaal would have brought him in if a transfer fee was involved.

January is the right time to consider new signings, but it's also key to ensure stars remain committed. De Gea has the potential to be United's biggest loss since Cristiano Ronaldo.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

His departure would certainly leave a major gap at the back and have supporters wondering whether the team's stint away from the Champions League has turned them into a selling club.