Louis van Gaal has revealed that Manchester United have offered goalkeeper David de Gea a lucrative contract to extend his stay at Old Trafford, pushing the ball firmly into the Spaniard's court.
De Gea has been Manchester United's standout performer this season, but concern for his long term future at the club is growing as a contract extension put to the custodian remains unsigned.
His current deal with the club runs until the summer of 2016 and Real Madrid are watching developments closely.
Indeed, it was even claimed in Spain recently that De Gea has given the green light over a move to Real Madrid, if they can agree a fee with Manchester United.
Van Gaal was asked about De Gea's situation at a press conference earlier today and replied: "It [contract talks] takes a long time now.
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"It can always happen – I am not the boss. I want him to stay, but I've explained that the player is the boss – he can say yes or no.
"You have to ask David de Gea, not me. He has to sign; we have offered him a lot of money."
Van Gaal will be hoping that De Gea puts pen to paper before the summer transfer window swings open as Manchester United seek to avoid a daily churn of stories suggesting the goalkeeper is heading to Real Madrid.
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