David De Gea may back out of a new Manchester United contract offer, according to reports from England. The goalkeeper may opt for another attempt at joining Real Madrid should he back out.
De Gea has been with Manchester United since 2011, and after a shaky start, solidified himself as the team’s No. 1. However, De Gea has seen Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois inch closer toward a move to Real Madrid. The Spaniard could fear his chance to join Los Blancos has ended, if Courtois arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Reports from Spain indicate Real Madrid will part ways with Keylor Navas. The current Real Madrid goalkeeper has been criticised since taking over the goalkeeper position.
De Gea’s contract at Old Trafford expires in June 2019. Thus far, the 27-year-old has been coy over a contract extension with the Red Devils. In 2015, De Gea signed a contract extension at Manchester United as speculation over his future at the club was cloudy. Then-manager Louis van Gaal dropped De Gea for a time, preferring Sergio Romero in goal.
De Gea was asked about a new Manchester United contract earlier in February. He skirted around the subject in his response.
“Just being part of this club is special in itself,” De Gea said.
“Being a player and a part of this club is special, so when you get to wear the shirt, you go to away games, that’s something you are always proud of and is very special.
“Being part of such a great club like Manchester United fills you with emotion and you gradually realise how much the club means to the fans and the people who work here.
“They really live for the game, so that does become part of you and you can only appreciate that having spent time here.”
This season has seen De Gea play 26 times for Manchester United. He has conceded just 18 goals while keeping 15 clean sheets.