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David de Gea opens contract talks with Manchester United

David de Gea's agent, Jorge Mendes, has confirmed that they are in discussions with Manchester United to keep the 24-year-old at Old Trafford.

There has been continued speculation over the keeper's future, with several reports over the past three months linking the Spanish international to a return to his homeland with European champions Real Madrid.

Mendes has strong ties to both clubs, representing the likes of Angel Di Maria, Radamel Falcao, and Victor Valdes at United, and James Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo for Madrid, but has insisted that De Gea is only interested in staying in Manchester.

"I am negotiating with Manchester United about De Gea's renewal," Mendes told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. "It is not true that De Gea has found a deal with Real Madrid. I'm negotiating with Manchester United his extension."

United's reigning Player of the Year moved from Atletico Madrid to United in 2011 in a 17.8-million-pound deal, and has continued his excellent form this season for the Louis van Gaal coached-side.

De Gea is out of contract in 2016 and could leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of next season but Mendes said earlier this week : "He has one year left on his contract and I think that he will stay in Manchester. The player will decide, but he's happy there, at the moment."