David De Gea's Manchester United future looks set to hinge on whether he starts for Spain at Euro 2016, with sources telling ESPN FC that the Old Trafford club are confident of keeping the goalkeeper if he gets Vicente del Bosque's No. 1 spot.
De Gea's supreme United form has led to calls in Spain for him to start, but Del Bosque has remained loyal to Porto's Iker Casillas.
Real Madrid have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old, and one reason he has been tempted to move to the Bernabeu -- other than his girlfriend preferring to live in Spain -- is because he feels it is necessary to get the status and visibility to finally usurp Casillas.
Sources have told ESPN FC that United believe he would be satisfied to stay at Old Trafford if he becomes first choice before then -- thereby proving he does not need to leave -- as they brace themselves for renewed interest from Real.
Madrid are facing a transfer ban from FIFA, but there is full confidence among the hierarchy that their appeal will be successful, allowing them to sign players in the summer -- and attempt to buy De Gea again.
Real almost signed the goalkeeper in the summer only for a problem to arise with the paperwork and it to fall through, but sources have told ESPN FC they plan to resurrect their interest in the summer.
Casillas's record and illustrious past have meant he remains Spain's No. 1 despite leaving Real Madrid for Porto last year, but the 34-year-old's performance level has continued to drop in Portugal, as he has made a series of errors.
As such, the chances have grown that Del Bosque might rethink his decision to back Casillas ahead of Spain's European Championship defence this summer. ESPN FC has been told that could prove decisive in De Gea's future.
De Gea signed a new four-year deal shortly after the last summer window closed and, although some see that as just an opportunity to secure the Premier League club a better price if he does go, he has recently spoken about wanting to stay in Manchester and become a club legend.