Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could have a one-year option on his contract triggered to keep him at Old Trafford.
The Spanish goalkeeper has regularly been mentioned as a potential transfer target for Real Madrid and most recently Juventus.
But United are aiming to avoid any uncertainty about his immediate future by tying him to his contract by triggering an extension.
The move should deter any potential suitors in the January transfer window though the speculation will return next summer.
De Gea has been one of United's best signings of recent years, joining the club from Atletico Madrid in 2011. He has won United's Player of the Year award four times in the last five seasons. Once again, he was in superb form as United edged past Young Boys on Tuesday evening, coming up with anotherworld-classs save to help them to a crucial victory which kept their Champions League qualification hopes well and truly alive. “Without David’s save, no winning goal,” said Mourinho.
United manager Jose Mourinho is desperate to retain the services of the Spanish stopper but knows he will have to hand out a big contract. De Gea's agents are mindful of the kind of money that Alexis Sanchez commanded after joining United from Arsenal last season. Some reports today hinted that Sanchez, now little more than a bit player at Old Trafford, is on more than double what De Gea earns.
Reports this morning suggested De Gea and his family were happy in Manchester which will at least offer hope to the United faithful.
