David De Gea has taken a significant step towards leaving Manchester United this week.
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Reports in Spain, most notably from Marca, suggest that the goalkeeper has agreed personal terms with the outgoing European champions, leaving only a transfer fee left to be agreed.
United manager Louis van Gaal has admitted that he’s already drawing up a list of potential replacements for the 24-year-old, who has arguably been his best player so far this season.
In quotes reported by BBC Sport, the Dutchman said: “We 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. 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].”
Van Gaal’s side already have Victor Valdes waiting in the wings, who they signed on a free transfer earlier this season. The former Barcelona man is yet to make his Premier League debut but could be called upon if his countryman departs this summer.
De Gea has been with United since 2011, when he made the switch from Real’s local rivals Atletico. He’s since played 174 times in all competitions and won three trophies, including the Premier League in 2013.
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