Man United activate De Gea’s one-year contract extension

Manchester United have exercised the one-year extension on the contract of goalkeeper David De Gea. The Spanish international’s deal was due to expire in the summer.

Negotiations between the two parties over a new long-term deal are ongoing with the activation of this clause giving the club more time to work with to tie down the goalkeeper.

Had the clause in the contract not been used it would have allowed the former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper to negotiate with foreign clubs from January 1.

De Gea’s future has been in doubt before with Real Madrid heavily linked with him in 2015, almost securing his signature had it not been for the necessary paperwork being submitted beyond the deadline.

In more recent times United’s number one has been drawing interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

United manager Jose Mourinho has spoken confidently of the Spaniard remaining at Old Trafford.

“We have the best goalkeeper in the world and I know he wants to stay, I know his agent [Jorge Mendes, who Mourinho is also a client of] is happy to do what the player wants and I also know the board want him to stay and they are working on that so hopefully sooner or later they reach a conclusion.”

De Gea joined United in 2011 for £17 million from Atletico Madrid. The then 20-year-old endured his fair share of criticism during his maiden campaign with The Red Devils but has since gone on to be one of the best in the world.

The 28-year-old has been crowned United’s player of the year in four of the last five seasons.

United’s goalkeeper has lifted an FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League, two Community Shields and a single Premier League title during his time in Manchester.