David De Gea 'Set to Sign' New 5-Year Manchester United Contract

David De Gea is reportedly closing in on a new five-year contract at Manchester United worth £350,000 per week, which would make him the second-highest-paid player in the club's history. 

The goalkeeper's new deal would position him second only to Alexis Sanchez in earnings at Old Trafford, and The Sun (h/t MailOnline's Kate McGreavy) reported terms are expected to be in place by the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

De Gea's current contract with United doesn't expire until next summer and has the option for a further year, but an improved deal would help fend off interest from outsiders, Real Madrid in particular.

The Spain No. 1 was again in imperious form as United beat Swansea City 2-0 at home on Saturday, another landmark moment for De Gea in a succession of individual achievements for the player, per Sky Sports Statto:

Real have lurked for some years as a potential destination for United's talisman, winning numerous trophies of late and offering a route back to his home city, but a new deal would effectively rule out a return in the near future.

A five-year agreement would tie De Gea to United until the summer of 2023, at which point he would be 32. Bill Rice of BBC Radio Manchester suggested he's worthy of hefty investment:

The Sun (h/t Metro) reported it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic's recent departure to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy that freed up the funds allowing United to improve De Gea's position so significantly.

De Gea also recently helped his case for remaining in Manchester when he said on international duty that he feels a connection in England he doesn't always feel in his home country, per The Independent:

The 27-year-old has been a crucial presence for United in the years transitioning away from Sir Alex Ferguson's reign at Old Trafford, maintaining his success under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho in recent campaigns.

Some would argue Sanchez hasn't proved he's worthy of such high wages since joining United in January, although football writer Noorruddean Choudry is convinced De Gea is more deserving:

A 'keeper of his standard can be as valuable as any elite outfielder, and De Gea continues to prove his worth under Mourinho.

The rumoured terms would put De Gea on par with some of the highest earners in world football, and Real's interest in the player may finally end as a result.