Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has been on the front face of most sporting headlines for months. His rumoured move to Real Madrid is only going to intensify as the season comes to a close. The 24 year old has continually progressed throughout his career, after a tough start to life at United when he joined as a 19-year-old in 2011. However, he has now made his name as one of the best in the world, and Madrid’s interest is worrying news for United fans.

Louis van Gaal revealed last month that De Gea has been offered a new deal by United, which is believed to be in the region of £200,000-a-week. This figure is said to be much more than he would receive at Real Madrid, but perhaps money isn’t everything for the Spaniard. Van Gaal had this to say on De Gea, which provides a reality check to anyone thinking a big contract could persuade the player to stay.

“He is Spanish and his girlfriend is Spanish and he can go to another great club, so it is difficult for him to decide.

“David De Gea shall not leave us so easily because we are a great club and he wants to participate.

“He is still behind Casillas but now a Spanish club is coming.”

The United boss also admitted he has ‘no idea’ whether the Spain international will be at the club next season.

Former United Coach Eric Steele has also given his views on the situation. He believes De Gea should stay at United, but admits it would be a hard task.

“We knew what we were buying, we were buying potentially one of the best goalkeepers in the world, not just in Europe,” said Steele, who left United when David Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

“Sir Alex had a great belief in young players in his 27 years but he’d never gone and got a goalkeeper at 19.

“But he backed that goalkeeper and the one that you are seeing now four years on is the one we expected to see, but we knew it would take time.

“Peter Schmeichel didn’t go to United until he was 28. Edwin van der Sar was at United when he was 40. His best years are still to come.

“At 24, he’s won a Europa League, he’s won two U21 Championships. He’s a winner. I’d put him in the top four or five in the world, but again, he’s still learning.

“Personally, I’d love him to stay because I think he’s done a fantastic job. I’m hoping the lure of Champions League football might just tempt David but there’s only one man who knows the answer of where he wants to go.”

Different stories come and go everyday in the media, leaving us all a little confused about the situation. With Victor Valdes signing earlier in the year, another high class Spanish keeper, it could be a sign that LvG isn’t too confident about De Gea’s commitment.