Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has been given until May to decide whether he wants to join La Liga giants Real Madrid, according to Spanish reports cited bythe Mirror.
The 26-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Bernabeu, and United manager Jose Mourinho faces a fight to keep the Spaniard at Old Trafford. According to Spanish sources, De Gea has met with his agentJorge Mendes, who has outlined the current situation.
Real are eager to replace current first-choice Keylor Navas with a new goalkeeper, but want an answer from De Gea soon so they can decide whether or not to pursue the transfer. The Spanish side will turn toChelsea shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois should De Gea elect to stay in the Premier League.
De Gea's current contract with United runs until June 2019, but there is said to be a clause that allows the former Atletico Madrid man to talk to Real should they offer £50m. Real have been close to signing De Gea during the last two seasons, having made their interest in the goalkeeper publicly known.
Their case was stronger in the past given United's below par performances in the Premier League, but the club could still qualify for the Champions League through the top four or the Europa League this term.
United have already won the EFL Cup this season and De Gea may decide to stay at the club given the improvements they've show this term.