Football
9y

Manchester United planning for life after David de Gea, says Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal said Manchester United are planning for life after David de Gea and have identified who their goalkeeper will be if the Spaniard leaves Old Trafford this summer.

The Dutchman sounded increasingly fearful that the former Atletico Madrid player will join Real Madrid as he admitted he does not know why De Gea is yet to sign the lucrative new contract offered by United.

And Van Gaal suggested he felt powerless in the saga as United wait on the decision of De Gea, whose current deal expires in 2016, and who the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is keen to keep.

"You have three parties [United, Real and De Gea] and the most important party is always the player," said Van Gaal in a news conference.

"But, when you ask that, it's dependable not of Manchester United, not of me, because we want him to sign. He has to sign, he has to want to stay here at Manchester United. I don't know [why he hasn't decided]. I cannot say what he's saying to me."

Van Gaal is unsure if United can match Real's appeal to De Gea, adding: "I don't know. I cannot speak for Real Madrid."

United brought in former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes on a free transfer during the season and have also been linked with Tottenham's Hugo Lloris and Stoke's Asmir Begovic if De Gea leaves.

"When we have a very good scouting commission, then we shall already know who shall be the next goalkeeper," Van Gaal added.

"We also have a list of goalkeepers who can replace him because we have to be organised always. We want him to stay and I hope he shall sign."

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