The future of David De Gea will not be in Manchester according Spanish outlet AS.
The 24-year-old will see his contract expire in 17 months and will not accept a buyout clause greater than €30 million in his contract extension, leaving the door open for a potential exit. Stirring the exit rumors, however, are the reports of a fallout between De Gea and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
The two have not spoken in months and van Gaal's latest comments about his No. 1 goalkeeper did little to ease the tension.
"De Gea has not given us any points because he is our goalkeeper," the Dutchman said. "His job is to trap balls. If at some point he thinks that he's exempt from doing so, I'm sorry, but he's mistaken."
Of course, van Gaal's lack of praise for De Gea isn't uncommon. Following a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in December, there was little to be said about his performance.
"As for De Gea, how do you think I'm going to respond? He stopped three balls, three I think," the United boss said. "Can you say anything else? Then it was three. Is that normal or exceptional?"
Not everyone shares the same sentiment. Club legend Peter Schmeichel still believes it's imperative United hold onto such a precious commodity.
"I cross my fingers that he renews his contract for five seasons," Schmeichel said. "It's important the club keeps one of its primary footballers, so they can send a powerful message to the Premier League and all of European football."
Manchester United return to action on Feb. 28, hosting Sunderland at Old Trafford.
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