Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, northern England August 24, 2014.
Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea reacts during their English Premier League soccer match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, northern England August 24, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Yates

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea will reportedly join Real Madrid if his current side fails to finish fourth in the Premier League, which will get them back to the Champions League, at the very least.

The Old Trafford outfit missed out on Europe's top-tier after only managing to clinch the seventh spot last season under the guidance of then manager David Moyes.

De Gea, who was acquired in 2011 by Alex Ferguson, immediately established himself as Red Devils' no. 1 at a tender age of 20. Now in his fourth year at the club, he has proven that he has the needed mental toughness to be one of the best shot-stoppers in the world.

On the other hand, the Blancos are looking for a long-term replacement for Iker Casillas, whose form has continually dipped since Jose Mourinho's exit during the summer of 2013, while Keylor Navas, who made an impression as Costa Rica's last line of defence in the previous World Cup, doesn't seem to be Carlo Ancelloti's cup of tea, playing just a single game since the 2014/15 campaign started.

There is still no known effort coming from on the part of United to talk with De Gea regarding an extension, as his contract is about to expire in less than two years. Meanwhile, rumours suggest that the Spanish international is keeping his options open at the moment, analysing what could be the next best move for his career.

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