Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea Contract Expected, Latest Rumours

Following a summer of wild speculation surrounding Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, the Spanish player is now reportedly set to pen a new deal at Old Trafford.

De Gea missed out on a deadline-day move to long-term suitors Real Madrid. He has less than a year left on his current contract with the Red Devils, and Real are surely hoping to snap him up for free next summer.

However, Fichajes.net (h/t Louis Sealey in Metro) reports that the 24-year-old Spaniard is ready to sign a new deal with United as he eyes next year's European Championship in France.

The report suggests that should De Gea not sign a new deal his first-team spot under manager Louis Van Gaal would be under threat, and that in turn would spoil his chances of representing Spain at Euro 2016.

Indeed, Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has intimated as much recently, per Sky Sports Football:

De Gea has yet to play a minute of football for United this season as he has been sidelined amid the constant speculation surrounding his future.

However, with the transfer window now closed, Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe believes he will return to the starting lineup, though he questions whether he will be in the best frame of mind:

De Gea's return to the side can't come quickly enough for United with a Liverpool clash on the horizon and Sergio Romero having looked very shaky in defeat to Swansea.

It would be even better news if the former Atletico Madrid man signed a new contract, as though his future is almost undoubtedly at the Bernabeu, United could still be set to be well remunerated if De Gea extends his deal.

Furthermore, an under-contract De Gea could give United leverage with Real that could eventually see them claim long-term target Gareth Bale.

The Red Devils have long been linked with the Welsh superstar and they are still confident they can snap him up next summer despite relations having soured with Madrid over the De Gea debacle, per the Telegraph's Jason Burt.

While the inevitable loss of De Gea next summer would be a blow for United, the arrival of Bale coming in the other direction would soften the hit significantly.