Manchester United have triggered the one-year option on goalkeeper David de Gea’s contract to avoid any uncertainty over his future heading into the January transfer window.
Spain international De Gea, 28, joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2011.His contract was due to end in the summer, allowing him to talk to overseas clubs from 1 January and sign a pre-contract agreement.However, United have extended his deal for another year.
As manager Jose Mourinho confirmed after Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Young Boys, United are keen to hold on to the keeper, who has won United’s player of the year award four times in the past five seasons.
It is understood De Gea is open to the idea of remaining at the club, although as yet there has been no agreement on terms, with De Gea’s camp mindful of the enormous salary United agreed to pay Alexis Sanchez when he joined from Arsenal 10 months ago.
With Manchester United seemingly out of the Premier League title as early as November, and with interest from the likes of Paris Saint Germain, the move has at least confirmed that the Spanish shot stopper will not leave in mid-season. Manchester United’s next match is away to relegation threatened Southampton before a midweek clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford.