Manchester United Transfer News: David De Gea Talks Free Exit, Jose Gaya Rumours

Latest reports insist Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was never going to leave the club on a free transfer next summer, while speculation is heating up in the race to sign Valencia left-back Jose Luis Gaya.

De Gea came within inches of completing a summer move to Real Madrid only to pen a new four-year deal at Old Trafford, but James Robson of the Manchester Evening News said the stopper was never going to leave the club for free in 2016:

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The 24-year-old could have left for nothing next summer, but told teammates he had no intention of letting his contract run down. 

Even before his proposed £29m move to the Bernabeu collapsed this month, De Gea discussed his intention to commit his future to United, rather than see out the remaining 10 months of his deal.

He duly agreed an extension that keeps him at Old Trafford until 2019, with the option of a further year.

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The Spanish superstar remained respectful of his club throughout the summer transfer ordeal and refused to speak personally on the subject, but he has since been welcomed back into the fold with open arms.

De Gea even replaced Bastian Schweinsteiger as captain following the latter's substitution in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Ipswich Town, sharing his joy at the achievement after the League Cup result:

As Robson has suggested, there is still the chance Real Madrid will come back in for the player next summer, but De Gea has guaranteed United money in that eventuality after a £30 million release clause was added to his new contract.

Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez believes Los Blancos already have a great goalkeeper in their midst in the form of Keylor Navas, who was poised to be used as a makeweight in De Gea's acquisition:

It's been a little over four years since the former Atletico Madrid ace arrived in England and since establishing himself as one of the Premier League's elite goalkeeping forces. Red Devils fans were undoubtedly overjoyed to hear their prized No. 1 wouldn't be leaving, but this alleged statement of commitment will only further enamour him among the Old Trafford masses.

Louis van Gaal's No. 1 may not be likely to change anytime soon, but the left-back spot could be in line for some remodelling as Manchester United eye up a move for Valencia's Gaya.

The youngster is viewed as one of Spain's most promising defensive prospects, and Fichajes.net (h/t talkSPORT) claims the Reds will launch a January bid for Gaya, whose release clause currently stands at £36 million.

The horrific injury suffered by Luke Shaw during the defeat to PSV Eindhoven earlier this month could well mean the defender's season is already over, with Gaya presumably looked upon as another young alternative.

The Daily Mail has also reported that Marcos Rojo's recent injury concerns mean Van Gaal is even more pressed to find options on the left side of defence:

Netherlands international Daley Blind played at left-back for long stretches of the 2014 World Cup, but Shaw's setback is particularly regrettable when one considers he was enjoying his best form at United to date.

That being said, the pursuit of Gaya may have to wait itself; Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC reported Los Che's starlet would be out until late October following injury of his own:

Despite being just 20 years of age, Gaya has already racked up 48 first-team appearances for Valencia in 2012, rising through Spain's international youth setup to his current under-21 standard.

Gaya would make for a highly promising acquisition, but one would have to question how Van Gaal might juggle the expectations of two such prodigious players when Shaw eventually makes his return to fitness.