Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea, Louis Van Gaal Fallout Reported

David de Gea and Louis van Gaal are reportedly not on speaking terms as conflicting reports in the English and Spanish press continue to cloud the Manchester United 'keeper's future.

First, the bad news (if you're a Red Devils follower). Spanish newspaper AS claims the player's poor rapport with boss Van Gaal is pushing him toward Real Madrid. Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC summarised the news coming out of Spain:

Manu Sainz's article made it into Wednesday's AS print release, per Sport Witness:

Sainz suggests "it's not Real Madrid's interest in the player that's the number one reason behind De Gea's itchy feet—it's his poor relationship with Van Gaal." He says the two haven't spoken "in months," and pinpoints the following quote from the manager as a sore point for De Gea:

"I think he doesn't save many points because he is my goalkeeper and his obligation is to hold balls," said Van Gaal. "And if you are thinking that is an exception for other goalkeepers and it is not like that, I am sorry for that."

However, reports in England are taking a positive view on the player extending his tenure with the Old Trafford club. United are "supremely confident of tying down" De Gea as Madrid's interest has "cooled," according to John Cross of the Mirror.

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This line is also followed by the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, who suggested United are "closing in on a new long-term" deal for the influential Spaniard.

Both reports indicate Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti is satisfied with Iker Casillas and Keylor Navas, the former of whom has shown improved form in recent times. It is suggested Ancelotti will pursue costly options in other positions instead.

While Casillas' future remains unclear—he was once again the subject of jeers during Madrid's recent win over Deportivo la Coruna, per Sergio Gomez of AS—he is contracted until 2017. Gimenez believes the loyal Madrid servant doesn't want to represent one of the Bernabeu club's European competitors and is most likely to appear in the MLS.

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"I like the idea of a new and different adventure, such as moving to the U.S," Casillas recently told the Wall Street Journal (h/t Gomez). "A new way of viewing the game and a way of appreciating all my time at Madrid."

Navas is a quality replacement who is yet to enjoy a run of form or consistent playing time with the European champions. De Gea's stock is rising, however, as he continues to improve after winning last year's Player of the Year award at United.

He has rescued the side numerous times this season, pulling off vital saves in matches against Everton, Stoke and West Ham, among others. At 24 years old De Gea is becoming increasingly involved in the national team picture with Spain, aided by Casillas' quality dropping in the past few seasons.

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United signed former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes on a free in January, a move which could be viewed as Van Gaal trying to find a quality replacement for De Gea. Optimists will suggest United needed stronger cover for their No. 1—Anders Lindegaard is hardly the most inspiring replacement—but Valdes doesn't come across as the type who is satisfied with a role on the bench.

He is yet to appear for the club, with Van Gaal continuing to prefer De Gea in both league and cup matches.

United's ability to command a hefty fee depends on whether the player signs a new deal. His value will drop as his expiration date arrives at the end of next season, which is potentially a dangerous development for the club.

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It's difficult to ascertain exactly where De Gea is at right now. Signing a new contract means little these days—proven when Luis Suarez agreed to remain at Liverpool in Dec. 2013 and moved the following summer—but an extended deal would at least allow United to dictate the player's valuation.

De Gea remains quiet on the issue, perhaps an ominous sign for the English club.