Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United close in on David De Gea signing from Atletico Madrid
Manchester United are edging closer to sealing a deal for David De Gea after Atletico Madrid admitted they may be forced to sell him in the summer.[LNB]As revealed by Sportsmail last week, the Spain goalkeeper is on the verge of a ?17.8million switch to join the Barclays Premier League giants.[LNB] On his way: David De Gea (left) has emerged as Manchester United's prime target[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson had identified the 20-year-old as the replacement for retiring Edwin van der Sar and the clubs are understood to have reached an agreement which will see De Gea sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford.[LNB]Atletico retain some hope of keeping De Gea, who was also targeted by Chelsea, but the club have admitted that they will sell him if they cannot tempt him to sign a new deal.[LNB]Chief excecutive Miguel Angel Gil Marin said: 'We have met with him to negotiate a new deal on two occasions.[LNB] Safe hands: Retiring Edwin van der Sar saves a shot from Newcastle's Shola Ameobi[LNB]'He has a contract with Atletico for three more seasons, so it is necessary to renew it and reasonable to revise his salary, which is well below his current performance. But at the end of the season there will be two choices - to renew or to leave.'[LNB]De Gea narrowly missed out on a place in Spain's World Cup squad last summer but is considered the long-term replacement for current No 1 Iker Casillas[LNB]Meanwhile, another United goalkeeping target - Manuel Neuer - is set to leave their Champions League semi-final opponents Schalke to join Bayern Munich in the summer.[LNB] Emotional: Manuel Neuer was in tears during his press conference on Wednesday[LNB]Neuer, who has refused to sign a new deal, said: 'I took my decision without any influence from the outside. The decision had nothing to do with a coaching change or a person at some other club.[LNB]'I want to keep the possibility of change open after 20 years of being true to one club,.'[LNB]Schalke sports director Horst Heldt said: 'We accepted this decision with a heavy heart and we must respect it. What will happen now with Manuel will be decided in the coming weeks or months.'[LNB] De Gea to sign five-year Man United deal as Atletico agree ?17.8m exitDe Gea and Rodwell top shopping list as Fergie eyes three signingsDe Gea will cost Man United at least ?18m as Atletico stand firm over keeperAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Edwin Van Der Sar Places: Spain
