Juventus are keen on signing Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea on a free transfer, according to reports in the English media.

The Spaniard’s current deal with the Red Devils expires at the end of the season but the club will likely trigger their option to extend his stay for another year. Still, Juve are believed to be patient enough to wait another 18 months for the shot-stopper.

United boss Jose Mourinho added fuel to the fire when he said in his pre-match press conference yesterday that he wasn’t confident on de Gea’s contract renewal:

“I am not confident, but I’m also not worried. I cannot find the word in English, but let’s see what happens. Only the club, David and his people can answer that.”

“My comment is only that everyone knows how good he is, how important he is for Manchester United and if the club want to be better than it is and not worse, obviously it would be very important to keep David.”

It would be a bitter blow if de Gea does decide to leave the club. The keeper has spent seven and a half years at Old Trafford, racking up 327 appearances during that time.

Mourinho’s words don’t suggest all is lost though, and it may be just a bump in the road during negotiations before an agreement is reached over a long-term deal.