Source: Daily_Mail
David de Gea to Manchester United link played down by Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson has played down talk of a summer swoop for David de Gea, saying Manchester United have no deal in place to sign the highly-rated Atletico Madrid goalkeeper.[LNB]With Edwin van der Sar due to retire in the summer, Ferguson is in the hunt for a new No 1 keeper and 20-year-old De Gea, rated at ?22.5million, is on United's list of potential successors.[LNB]Reports emerged in Spain on Tuesday night claiming a transfer has already been agreed with Atletico for De Gea with the young Spaniard's agent Jorge Mendes in England to finalise terms.[LNB] Shot stopper: David de Gea is on United's list of potential successors to Edwin van der Sar[LNB]However, after watching his side book their place in the last four of the Champions League, Ferguson refused to give credence to the reports.[LNB]'On Italian television I am supposed to be signing two players from Italy tonight, so I can place that story along with those,' he said.[LNB]'There is always speculation about who we are going to sign. So many people throw names at me. I can't answer it.'[LNB]Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin also denied the claims, saying: 'Mendes is in England, but it is for nothing related to De Gea. He doesn't have any power from Atletico to negotiate for the player. [LNB]'At the end of the season we will see if (De Gea) he goes or if he remains. If he wants to go, we will refer to his buy-out clause. As of today, Atletico count on him for next season.'[LNB]Instead, Ferguson confirmed he intends to fly to Germany to watch Schalke take on Inter Milan tonight, with the winner set to meet United in the Champions League semi-final later this month.[LNB]Schalke are overwhelming favourites, although having dispatched Chelsea 3-1 on aggregate, Ferguson has no need to fear anyone, particularly with Ryan Giggs in such fine form.[LNB]Giggs was credited with the assist for both United goals, crossing for Javier Hernandez to put them ahead before chipping a brilliant pass to Park Ji-sung after Didier Drogba had threatened a Chelsea comeback.[LNB] Flying Dutchman: Veteran keeper Van der Sar intends to retire from football at the end of the season[LNB]'We have said it so many times about the man. He is just incredible,' said Ferguson.[LNB]'He is a unique person and player, who has made a great contribution to this tie. His experience and composure were vital. Ryan has fantastic balance. He has never lost that.[LNB]'He is also lucky in that he has a superb physique. He has never carried any weight and looks after himself. You need to make tremendous sacrifice to still be playing at 37.'[LNB]Ferguson must now get his players together for the mouthwatering FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday.[LNB]The United boss has previously stated their is a potential for chaos given it falls on the same weekend as the London Marathon, whilst the capital is also hosting Arsenal against Liverpool on Sunday.[LNB]However, Ferguson concedes there were not many alternatives.[LNB]'I don't know where you could have played it,' he said. 'You can get 90,000 people into Wembley. That is the reason it is there.[LNB]'You could say in the current economic climate it is a bit unfair for fans to travel but for our fans and City fans, they are just delighted to be in a semi-final.'[LNB] De Gea and Rodwell top shopping list as Fergie eyes three signingsFiring squad: Hernandez and Park send United through and leave Ancelotti's future in the balanceMartin Keown's Match Zone: Vintage Giggs still runs the show for UnitedAll the latest Manchester United, news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Didier Drogba, Park Ji-sung, Edwin Van Der Sar Places: Liverpool, Spain, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom
